Fructans-derived feed additives, such as levan and fructooligosaccharides (FOS), have been proposed as potential nutritional strategies to improve gut health and productivity of broiler chickens. The seminar discussed its effect on growth performance, intestinal architecture and gut microbiota. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was improved with 0.1–1.0% levan at 35 days, and the European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF) was improved with 1.0% levan. The increased level of levan decreased feed intake during the initial growth period but had no effect on the final body weight and average daily gain. In terms of environmental stress, 50% recycled bedding and 0.5% FOS in drinking water or feed were comparable to the control group in growth performance. In the aspect of gut microbiota, the supplementation of 0.25–0.5% levan and FOS enhanced the cecal Lactobacillus spp. Furthermore, 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that medium-to-high concentrations of levan modulated the microbial profile of the jejunum by decreasing Firmicutes, especially Bacilli, and increasing Actinobacteriota, especially Actinobacteria and increasing microbial diversity. 0.25–1.0% Levan increased the surface area of ileal villi in terms of intestinal structure and levan and FOS both improved the ratio of villus height to crypt depth in the jejunum and ileum. Fructan-based feed supplements can beneficially affect gut microbiota and intestinal architecture while maintaining or improving productivity, thus supporting their efficacy as functional feed additives for sustainable poultry agriculture.
- Konkol, D., M. Kuźmińska-Bajor, J. P. Madej, E. Popiela, M. Lis, M. Kuczkowski, M. Szczypka, K. Sierżant, M. U. Ashgar, and K. Leicht. 2025. Dietary levan as a feed additive: Effects on growth performance, meat quality, immune response, and gut health in broiler chickens. Anim Feed Sci Technol. 116529.
- Ruangpanit, Y., K. Rassmidatta, A. Philatha, P. Saothong, C. Sompugdee, P. Phungkeha, K. Srikijkasemwat, K. D. Adeyemi, R. O. Sulaimon, and P. Sivapirunthep. 2025. Effects of fructooligosaccharide administration routes on growth performance, gut integrity, microbiota, and meat quality in broiler chickens exposed to reused litter. Poult Sci 105899.
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