Enhancing Broiler Chicken Health with Fructo-Oligosaccharides

Effects of Fructo-Oligosaccharides on Broiler Growth Performance

The supplementation of FOS in broiler diets has shown significant positive effects on growth performance metrics such as feed intake (FI), average daily gain (ADG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR). A study conducted on Ross 308 broiler chickens indicated that FOS supplementation at levels of 0.25% and 0.50% resulted in improved feed intake and reduced feed cost per gain (FCG) compared to a control group without FOS supplementation (Namted et al., 2025). The overall period from 1 to 36 days of age saw a statistically significant improvement in the European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF) in the FOS-supplemented groups, demonstrating how FOS can enhance the overall productive performance of broilers.

Table 1: Effects of FOS on Growth Performance of Broilers

Parameter	Control	FOS 0.25%	FOS 0.50%	P-Value
Feed Intake (g/broiler)	364	366	364	0.978
Average Daily Gain (g/d)	27.9	29.6	28.7	0.225
European Production Efficiency Factor	216	241	225	<0.01

The observed increase in FI and ADG during the grower period (11-24 days) correlates with improved gut function and nutrient absorption due to the prebiotic effects of FOS, which enhance beneficial gut microbiota such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium (Xu et al., 2003).

Impact of FOS on Blood Glucose and Immune Response in Broilers

FOS supplementation has demonstrated a significant impact on blood glucose regulation and immune response in broiler chickens. After a feeding period, blood glucose levels were measured, revealing that FOS-supplemented groups maintained a more stable blood glucose level during the re-feeding period compared to the control group. Specifically, the group receiving 0.50% FOS exhibited the highest blood glucose levels after one hour of re-feeding, indicating better glucose management (Namted et al., 2025).

In terms of immune response, FOS supplementation reduced the heterophil-to-lymphocyte (H:L) ratio, which is commonly used as a stress indicator in poultry. The lower H:L ratio in FOS-supplemented broilers suggests enhanced immune function and reduced stress levels (Shang et al., 2015).

Table 2: Effects of FOS on Blood Glucose and Immune Parameters

Parameter	Control	FOS 0.25%	FOS 0.50%	P-Value
Blood Glucose (mg/dL)	197	197	261	<0.05
Heterophil (%)	37.4	29.2	26.1	<0.001
Lymphocyte (%)	56.7	65.1	66.5	<0.001

These findings underscore the potential of FOS as a natural feed additive that not only supports growth but also enhances metabolic health and immune resilience in broiler chickens.

Influence of Drinking Water Supplementation with FOS

One of the innovative applications of FOS is its supplementation in drinking water rather than feed, which has shown to be more effective in promoting gut health and improving performance metrics in broilers. This method allows for better absorption and utilization of FOS due to the shorter transit time through the digestive tract (Karimi Torshizi et al., 2010).

The study by Namted et al. (2025) highlighted that broilers supplemented with FOS in their drinking water showed increased abundances of beneficial gut bacteria while simultaneously decreasing pathogenic strains, contributing to improved gut health and nutrient absorption.

Table 3: Impact of Drinking Water Supplementation with FOS

Parameter	Control	FOS 0.25%	FOS 0.50%	P-Value
Cecal Microbiota (Lactobacillus)	Low	Moderate	High	<0.05
Cecal Microbiota (E. coli)	High	Moderate	Low	<0.05

This modulation of the gut microbiota presents a dual benefit: improving the health of the birds while also reducing the reliance on antibiotics, aligning with contemporary animal husbandry practices focusing on sustainability and health (Ricke et al., 2015).

Effects of FOS on Meat Quality and Carcass Yield in Broilers

The influence of FOS on meat quality and carcass yield has garnered attention due to its implications for market value. Several studies, including the one conducted by Namted et al. (2025), reported that FOS supplementation had a positive effect on meat quality traits, such as reduced cooking loss and enhanced water-holding capacity, which are critical for consumer acceptance.

In terms of carcass yield, the broiler groups receiving FOS exhibited a tendency for increased breast meat yield, although not statistically significant. However, the trends suggest that FOS may enhance the overall quality of meat, which could translate to higher market prices.

Table 4: Impact of FOS on Meat Quality and Carcass Yield

Parameter	Control	FOS 0.25%	FOS 0.50%	P-Value
Cooking Loss (%)	23.8	21.4	21.2	<0.05
Breast Meat Yield (%)	23.7	24.0	24.4	0.163
Carcass Yield (%)	86.9	86.1	85.6	0.349

The reduced cooking loss indicates that FOS supplementation not only improves meat quality but also enhances consumer satisfaction, which is vital for the poultry industry.

The Role of FOS in Modulating Cecal Microbiota in Broiler Chickens

The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in the health and performance of broiler chickens. FOS supplementation has been shown to positively influence the composition and diversity of cecal microbiota. The study by Namted et al. (2025) revealed that broilers receiving FOS showed increased abundances of beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillaceae, while pathogenic bacteria like E. coli were significantly reduced.

Table 5: Cecal Microbiota Composition After FOS Supplementation

Bacterial Family	Control	FOS 0.25%	FOS 0.50%	P-Value
Lactobacillaceae	Low	Moderate	High	<0.05
E. coli	High	Moderate	Low	<0.05
Bacteroidaceae	Moderate	High	High	<0.05

These changes in microbiota composition are associated with improved gut health, enhanced nutrient absorption, and overall better performance in broiler chickens.

FAQ

What are fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS)?

FOS are short-chain carbohydrates that serve as prebiotics, promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and improving digestive health.

How do FOS benefit broiler chickens?

FOS improve growth performance, regulate blood glucose levels, enhance the immune response, and positively affect meat quality and cecal microbiot

Can FOS be added to drinking water for broilers?

Yes, FOS can be effectively supplemented in drinking water, improving absorption and promoting gut health.

What impact do FOS have on meat quality?

FOS supplementation has been shown to reduce cooking loss and enhance water-holding capacity, leading to improved meat quality.

Are there any negative effects of FOS?

FOS are generally recognized as safe; however, excessive supplementation may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort in some cases.

References

Namted, S., Siriporna, C., Phiangchai, B., & Bunchasak, C. (2025). Effects of drinking water fructo-oligosaccharide supplementation on broiler chicken growth performance, blood glucose level, white blood cell count, carcass yield, meat quality, and cecal microbiota. Poultry Science, 104901. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2025.104901
Xu, Z. R., Hu, C. H., Xia, M. S., Zhan, X. A., & Wang, M. Q. (2003). Effects of dietary fructo-oligosaccharide on digestive enzyme activities, intestinal microflora, and morphology of male broilers. Poultry Science, 82(6), 1030-1036. https://doi.org/10.1093/ps/82.6.1030
Ricke, S. C. (2015). Potential of fructooligosaccharide prebiotics in alternative and nonconventional poultry production systems. Poultry Science, 94(5), 1411-1418. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps/pev049
Shang, Y., Regassa, A., Kim, J. H., & Kim, W. K. (2015). The effect of dietary fructooligosaccharide supplementation on growth performance, intestinal morphology, and immune responses in broiler chickens challenged with Salmonella Enteritidis lipopolysaccharides. Poultry Science, 94(12), 2887-2897. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps/pev275