Sweet chestnut tannins for pigs

Tannins are widely found in plant material and can have diverse effects on animals consuming them. It is generally accepted that there are two structural types of tannins in nature: ‘condense’ tannins and ‘hydrolysable’ tannins. Despite being known for some of their anti-nutritional properties, the hydrolysable forms can support health and nutrient digestion in pigs. Tannins are water-soluble polyphenolic compounds and are common in fruits, tea, legume forages and trees a