Effects of Fibrafid Supplementation in Standard and Nutrient-Reduced Diets on Growth Performance, Production Efficiency, Carcass Traits, Meat Quality, and Intestinal Morphology in Broilers

Abstract

Simple Summary Feed cost and efficient nutrient use are major challenges in modern broiler production. Natural feed additives are increasingly used to support growth performance and intestinal health, but many phytogenic products primarily rely on essential oils or plant extracts with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Fibrafid differs by combining plant-derived fermentable fiber with organic acids, potentially providing both prebiotic and digestive-support functions. This study evaluated the effects of Fibrafid supplementation in broilers fed either standard diets or moderately nutrient-reduced diets with lower metabolizable energy and digestible amino acid density. Fibrafid supplementation, particularly at 2.5 kg/ton, improved body weight gain, feed efficiency, European production efficiency factor, carcass leanness, breast meat quality, and intestinal development. Importantly, Fibrafid supplementation was associated with maintaining productive performance under moderately nutrient-reduced dietary conditions. These results suggest that Fibrafid may be a promising natural feed additive for improve broiler productivity and supporting greater flexibility in feed formulation programs. Further research extending to market age and evaluating nutrient digestibility, intestinal microbiota, economic returns, and other underlying mechanisms is needed to confirm its practical value under commercial production conditions.