Dextrans - Feed Ingredient

Dextrans are a group of complex, branched polysaccharides composed primarily of glucose units linked by α-(1→6) glycosidic bonds, with varying degrees of branching via α-(1→2), α-(1→3), or α-(1→4) linkages. They are typically produced by the bacterial fermentation of sucrose using certain strains of Leuconostoc, Streptococcus, or Lactobacillus.

In animal feed applications, including those for horses, dextrans may be utilized as binders, humectants, or stabilizers in feed and supplement formulations. Their primary role is functional, contributing to the physical characteristics of feed pellets or acting as carriers for other nutrients and additives.