Effects of dietary Fibrafid as phytogenic supplementation in standard and nutrient-reduced diets on breast meat quality, carcass traits, histopathology, and feed efficiency in heat-stressed broilers

Author: mycolabadmin
10/10/2025
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Summary

This research tested a plant-based feed additive called Fibrafid in broiler chickens raised in hot conditions. When included at 0.25% in their diet, Fibrafid improved meat quality by increasing its ability to retain moisture and enhancing tenderness, while also supporting growth even when using lower-nutrition diets. The additive maintained healthy intestines and improved feed efficiency, offering a practical and sustainable solution for poultry farmers in hot climates.

Background

Poultry production in arid regions faces challenges from heat stress, which negatively affects broiler growth, carcass yield, and meat quality. Phytogenic feed additives and prebiotics offer antioxidant and digestive-enhancing properties to maintain performance under environmental stress. Fibrafid is a novel plant-derived additive that may alleviate oxidative stress and enhance nutrient utilization, particularly when combined with nutrient-reduced diets.

Objective

This study evaluated the effects of Fibrafid, a natural plant-derived product, compared to a commercial prebiotic (TURBO Grow), on meat quality, carcass features, jejunal histopathology, body weight, and feed conversion ratio in heat-stressed broilers fed either standard or reduced nutrient density diets. The research aimed to assess whether Fibrafid could counterbalance limitations of nutrient-reduced diets while maintaining production performance and meat quality.

Results

Fibrafid at 0.25% improved water-holding capacity, reduced cooking loss, and increased myofibrillar fragmentation index across both diet types. Both Fibrafid levels revealed better gut environment indicators and improved nutrition absorption compared with controls. Carcass weight and Warner-Bratzler shear force remained unaffected, but breast yield was improved with Fibrafid supplementation in reduced diets.

Conclusion

Fibrafid supplementation at 0.25% enhanced meat quality, breast yield, and intestinal integrity in heat-stressed broilers across both dietary regimens. Reduced diets supplemented with Fibrafid maintained carcass yields comparable to standard diets, supporting sustainable feeding strategies. These results indicate Fibrafid’s potential as a functional feed additive under challenging production conditions.

Published in:Frontiers in Veterinary Science,
Study Type:Experimental Study,
Source: PMID: 41142576, DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2025.1671325