Abstract

SANCHEZ-TORRES, Laura et al. Fiber as a prebiotic for poultry: a review. Abanico vet [online]. 2022, vol.12, e2022-16.  Epub June 23, 2023. ISSN 2448-6132.  https://doi.org/10.21929/abavet2022.24.

The review was elaborated to know the effect of fiber used as a prebiotic in broilers and laying hens. A review was made on generalities of fiber and its benefits on immunity, digestive development, nutrient digestibility and productive performance. It was found that fiber as an additive can be included at levels lower than 3% to improve the immune response of birds, increase the development of intestinal villi and the amount of cytokines that regulate chemotaxis, limiting the permeability of toxic substances to the bloodstream, and regulate the inflammatory response of the intestine. Fiber stimulates the intestinal microbiota by preventing the adherence and development of pathogenic bacteria, as well as the production of antimicrobial peptides. In addition, fiber can regulate intestinal motility, general microbiota, lipid accumulation in the liver, lower cholesterol, contribute to liver function, reduce pollutant emissions to the environment and improve nutrient absorption. Therefore, fiber can improve weight gain, feed conversion and gizzard muscle development. It is concluded that fiber, as a prebiotic can be included in the poultry diet to replace synthetic additives to increase the productive performance of poultry.

Keywords : Intestinal health; functional feed; phytobiotics in poultry; natural additive.

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