Role of fibre in broiler diets - Firend or foe?

The fibrous fraction of the feeds encompasses a group of heterogeneous compounds differing in chemical composition and physical properties (Graham and Aman, 1991, Bach Knudsen, 2001). Dietary fiber is the most used term to define the fiber fraction of ingredients and feeds, and includes cell walls, stored non-starch polysaccharides (NSP), and lignin (Bach Knudsen, 2001). Based on their physico-chemical properties, DF can be divided into soluble and insoluble fractions with distinct effects on digestive physiology and animal metabolism. Consequently, the benefits of fiber inclusion in poultry diets will vary depending on factors such as characteristics of the fiber source, type of bird, and digestive health status.