Dietary Fiber in Poultry Nutrition in the Light of Past, Present, and Future Research Perspective: A Review

Abstract

Dietary fibers (DF) largely represent carbohydrate polymers of plant origin which are able to escape endogenous enzymatic digestion in the small intestine of non-ruminant hosts like poultry. Traditionally, DF was considered as nutrient diluent, and as an anti-nutritional factor. Dietary fibers, however, have been shown to positively influence digestive system, immune function, microbiota, and also poultry behavior. After the ban of antibiotics and antibiotic growth promoters in many countries, nutritional strategies to meet the genetic potential of poultry breeds have been extensively investigated. Furthermore, increase use of unconventional or alternative feed resources to reduce the feed cost and human food competition have made the DF topic more interesting as such products are generally rich in fiber; therefore can alter the poultry performance. Thus, to produce poultry sustainably and eco-friendly, DF has to be carefully managed in poultry which further requires sound knowledge on feed formulation, source of fiber, type, subtype, form, inclusion rate, and other managerial aspects like exogenous enzyme supplementation. To sum up, this review paper has critically analyzed the dietary fiber related issues including positive and negative sides of DF in modern day’s poultry nutrition. Finally, gaps in previous researches have been also identified and future direction has been suggested to better understand the topic considering therapeutic role of DF in poultry health.