At what Age Can Broiler Chickens Achieve the Best Performance Using Soluble and Insoluble Fiber?

Document Type : Original Paper

Authors

Department of Animal Science, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari, Iran

10.22069/psj.2025.23439.2284

Abstract

The type of fiber utilized in broiler diets at different ages has not been extensively studied, and the data supporting this theory are rare. A total of 160 hatched Ross 308 male broiler chicks were randomly distributed among four dietary groups, each with four replicates and ten chicks per replicate. The treatment groups were as follows: basal diet without any additives until the finisher period (Control); diet containing 3% rice hull (RH) in the grower period and 3% sugar beet pulp (SBP) in the finisher period (RG-SF); diet containing 3% SBP in the grower period and 3% RH in the finisher period (SG-RF); and diet containing 1.5% RH and 1.5% SBP in the grower and finisher periods (RS-GF). The findings indicated a significant improvement in the feed conversion ratio of broilers in the RG-SF group from days 11 to 24, as well as in body weight gain in the RG-SF and RS-GF groups from days 11 to 42 (P < 0.05). The proventriculus and gizzard percentage in the SG-RF group increased at 24 and 42 days of age, respectively (P < 0.05). At 42 days of age, the greatest percentage of thigh and intestinal weights was observed in the RG-SF group (P < 0.05). The small intestinal relative length decreased at 24 and 42 days of age in the RS-GF group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, our results showed that the 3% RH and 3% SBP in broiler diets at grower and finisher periods, respectively (RG-SF group), and supplementation with 1.5% RH and 1.5% SBP in both grower and finisher periods (RS-GF group) could improve broiler performance.

Keywords

References

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Poultry Science Journal
Volume 14, Issue 1
January 2026
Pages 67-74

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