{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2026,8,10]],"date-time":"2026-08-10T11:32:41Z","timestamp":1786361561575,"version":"build-2736575974"},"reference-count":86,"publisher":"MDPI AG","issue":"8","license":[{"start":{"date-parts":[[2026,8,8]],"date-time":"2026-08-08T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1786147200000},"content-version":"vor","delay-in-days":0,"URL":"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/"}],"funder":[{"name":"King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia"},{"id":[{"id":"https:\/\/ror.org\/02f81g417","id-type":"ROR","asserted-by":"publisher"}]}],"content-domain":{"domain":[],"crossmark-restriction":false},"short-container-title":["Vet. Sci.","Veterinary Sciences"],"abstract":"<jats:p>This study evaluated the effects of Fibrafid, a plant-based functional feed additive, on growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, and intestinal histomorphometry of broilers fed standard or moderately nutrient-reduced diets. A total of 432 one-day-old Ross 308 chicks (initial body weight, 44.9 \u00b1 0.30 g) were randomly allocated to a 2 \u00d7 3 factorial arrangement comprising two dietary nutrient densities (standard or diets with 1.5% lower metabolizable energy and 5% lower digestible amino acid density) and three Fibrafid inclusion levels (0, 1.5, or 2.5 kg\/ton). Each treatment comprised six replicates of 12 birds (six males and six females) and was evaluated from day 1 to 24. Dietary nutrient reduction affected growth performance and breast meat quality pH and ultimate lightness values, whereas Fibrafid supplementation, particularly at 2.5 kg\/ton, improved overall gain by 5.3%, grower-phase feed conversion ratio by 4.0%, EPEF by 8.08%, relative thymus weight by 64.8%, while reducing abdominal fat deposition by 27.1% relative to the unsupplemented control (p &lt; 0.05). Several breast meat quality traits were also improved, including greater water-holding capacity and myofibril fragmentation index and lower drip and cooking losses (p &lt; 0.05). Jejunal morphology was enhanced, as indicated by increased villus dimensions and goblet cell density (p &lt; 0.05). Significant Diet \u00d7 Fibrafid interactions were observed for grower performance, EPEF, overall feed intake, and several intestinal morphological variables (p &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, Fibrafid supplementation, particularly at 2.5 kg\/ton, was associated with improved growth performance, EPEF, selected carcass and breast meat quality traits, and jejunal morphology during the first 24 days of age. These findings suggest that Fibrafid may be a promising natural feed additive for broiler diets formulated at standard or moderately reduced nutrient densities. However, further studies extending to market age and evaluating nutrient digestibility, intestinal microbiota, blood biochemical indices, and economic returns are warranted to clarify its mechanisms and practical value under commercial production conditions.<\/jats:p>","DOI":"10.3390\/vetsci13080792","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2026,8,10]],"date-time":"2026-08-10T10:23:50Z","timestamp":1786357430000},"page":"792","update-policy":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/mdpi_crossmark_policy","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":0,"title":["Effects of Fibrafid Supplementation in Standard and Nutrient-Reduced Diets on Growth Performance, Production Efficiency, Carcass Traits, Meat Quality, and Intestinal Morphology in Broilers"],"prefix":"10.3390","volume":"13","author":[{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0002-0388-7669","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Maged A.","family":"Al-Garadi","sequence":"first","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0002-7789-4722","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Rashed A.","family":"Alhotan","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0001-8673-3026","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Elsayed O.","family":"Hussein","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0003-0934-9690","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Mohammed M.","family":"Qaid","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0001-9865-1589","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Gamaleldin M.","family":"Suliman","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Esam H.","family":"Fazea","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0002-8282-5385","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Mohammed A.","family":"Al-Badwi","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0001-7048-5742","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Isiaka O.","family":"Olarinre","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]}],"member":"1968","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2026,8,8]]},"reference":[{"key":"ref_1","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"106617","DOI":"10.1016\/j.psj.2026.106617","article-title":"Strategic role of poultry production sciences in shaping the future of global food security and strengthen sustainability","volume":"105","author":"Nassar","year":"2026","journal-title":"Poult. Sci."},{"key":"ref_2","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Osei-Akoto, A., Abdel-Wareth, A.A., Salahuddin, M., Goswami, P.K., and Lohakare, J. (2026). Sustainable poultry production through novel nutrition and circular resource management. Sustainability, 18.","DOI":"10.3390\/su18083673"},{"key":"ref_3","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"e19","DOI":"10.1017\/S0014479724000139","article-title":"Characterisation of bitter vetch (vicia ervilia (l.) willd) ecotypes: An ancient and promising legume","volume":"60","author":"Boukrouh","year":"2024","journal-title":"Exp. Agric."},{"key":"ref_4","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Boukrouh, S. (2026). The Potential Role of Azolla as an Alternative Protein Source in Sustainable Poultry Farming: A Swot Analysis, IntechOpen.","DOI":"10.5772\/intechopen.1012375"},{"key":"ref_5","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Boukrouh, S. (2025). Azolla Pinnata as a Sustainable Sheep Feed: Nutritional Value, Conservation Methods, and Performance Outcomes, IntechOpen.","DOI":"10.5772\/intechopen.1012943"},{"key":"ref_6","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"105957","DOI":"10.1016\/j.psj.2025.105957","article-title":"One size does not fit all: Are there any sustainable alternatives to soybean in chicken systems?","volume":"104","author":"Wangui","year":"2025","journal-title":"Poult. Sci."},{"key":"ref_7","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"13300","DOI":"10.1038\/s41598-023-40148-y","article-title":"Ecological, morpho-agronomical, and nutritional characteristics of sulla flexuosa (l.) medik","volume":"13","author":"Boukrouh","year":"2023","journal-title":"Ecotypes. Sci. Rep."},{"key":"ref_8","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"2916","DOI":"10.1016\/j.psj.2020.03.013","article-title":"Effects of lysine and methionine in a low crude protein diet on the growth performance and gene expression of immunity genes in broilers","volume":"99","author":"Lee","year":"2020","journal-title":"Poult. Sci."},{"key":"ref_9","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"45","DOI":"10.1186\/s40104-021-00568-0","article-title":"Progress of amino acid nutrition for diet protein reduction in poultry","volume":"12","author":"Kidd","year":"2021","journal-title":"J. Anim. Sci. Biotechnol. Rep."},{"key":"ref_10","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"2443224","DOI":"10.1080\/09712119.2024.2443224","article-title":"Low-protein diets and crystalline amino acids support growth performance and carcass traits of growing sansui sheldrake ducks","volume":"53","author":"Feng","year":"2025","journal-title":"J. Appl. Anim. Res."},{"key":"ref_11","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Niu, J., Qiao, Y., Yang, X., Chen, X., Li, H., Guo, Y., Zhang, W., and Wang, Z. (2025). Protease and bacillus coagulans supplementation in a low-protein diet improves broiler growth, promotes amino acid transport gene activity, strengthens intestinal barriers, and alters the cecal microbial composition. Animals, 15.","DOI":"10.3390\/ani15020170"},{"key":"ref_12","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Ramiadantsoa, T., Amady, A., Philippart, M., Tombozara, M., Lucas, V., and Fisher, B.L. (2026). Optimizing black soldier fly frass fertilizer rates for maize and soybean production in madagascar. PLoS ONE, 21.","DOI":"10.1371\/journal.pone.0343378"},{"key":"ref_13","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Zhao, W.H., Jang, S.Y., and Kim, I.H. (2025). Optimizing broiler performance and feed cost efficiency: Impact of 1, 3-diacylglycerol supplementation at different energy levels. Vet. Sci., 12.","DOI":"10.3390\/vetsci12070633"},{"key":"ref_14","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"34","DOI":"10.1186\/2049-1891-5-34","article-title":"Dietary requirements of synthesizable amino acids by animals: A paradigm shift in protein nutrition","volume":"5","author":"Wu","year":"2014","journal-title":"J. Anim. Sci. Biotechnol. Rep."},{"key":"ref_15","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"20","DOI":"10.1186\/s40104-021-00550-w","article-title":"Progress towards reduced-crude protein diets for broiler chickens and sustainable chicken-meat production","volume":"12","author":"Liu","year":"2021","journal-title":"J. Anim. Sci. Biotechnol. Rep."},{"key":"ref_16","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"997","DOI":"10.1177\/1535370215587913","article-title":"Dietary essentiality of \u201cnutritionally non-essential amino acids\u201d for animals and humans","volume":"240","author":"Hou","year":"2015","journal-title":"Exp. Biol. Med."},{"key":"ref_17","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Ajao, A.M., White, D., Kim, W.K., and Olukosi, O.A. (2022). Partial replacement of soybean meal with canola meal or corn ddgs in low-protein diets supplemented with crystalline amino acids\u2014Effect on growth performance, whole-body composition, and litter characteristics. Animals, 12.","DOI":"10.3390\/ani12192662"},{"key":"ref_18","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"6618","DOI":"10.3382\/ps\/pez508","article-title":"Effects of dietary crude protein levels on ammonia emission, litter and manure composition, n losses, and water intake in broiler breeders","volume":"98","author":"Winkel","year":"2019","journal-title":"Poult. Sci."},{"key":"ref_19","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"175","DOI":"10.1093\/jas\/skad281.212","article-title":"80 precision nutrition to enhance poultry performance and health: The role of functional amino acids","volume":"101","author":"Rochell","year":"2023","journal-title":"J. Anim. Sci."},{"key":"ref_20","unstructured":"Houdijk, J.G., Hussein, M.A., and Khattak, F. (2025). The ideal protein concept for poultry: Past, present and prospects. Anim. Nutr., 145."},{"key":"ref_21","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"67","DOI":"10.62310\/liab.v6i1.329","article-title":"Advances in essential amino acid profiling, modeling approaches, and sustainable feed formulation: Ideal protein concept in broiler chicken nutrition","volume":"6","author":"Anggriawan","year":"2026","journal-title":"Lett. Anim. Biol."},{"key":"ref_22","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Saleh, A.A., Amber, K.A., Soliman, M.M., Soliman, M.Y., Morsy, W.A., Shukry, M., and Alzawqari, M.H. (2021). Effect of low protein diets with amino acids supplementation on growth performance, carcass traits, blood parameters and muscle amino acids profile in broiler chickens under high ambient temperature. Agriculture, 11.","DOI":"10.3390\/agriculture11020185"},{"key":"ref_23","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1616","DOI":"10.5713\/ajas.15.0648","article-title":"Performance of broiler chickens fed low protein, limiting amino acid supplemented diets formulated either on total or standardized ileal digestible amino acid basis","volume":"29","author":"Kumar","year":"2016","journal-title":"Asian-Australas. J. Anim. Sci."},{"key":"ref_24","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"4868","DOI":"10.3382\/ps\/pez229","article-title":"Effect of low protein diets supplemented with free amino acids on growth performance, slaughter yield, litter quality, and footpad lesions of male broilers","volume":"98","author":"Dijkslag","year":"2019","journal-title":"Poult. Sci."},{"key":"ref_25","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1881","DOI":"10.1017\/S1751731117000660","article-title":"Reducing the cp content in broiler feeds: Impact on animal performance, meat quality and nitrogen utilization","volume":"11","author":"Belloir","year":"2017","journal-title":"Animal"},{"key":"ref_26","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Katu, J.K., T\u00f3th, T., and Varga, L. (2025). Enhancing the nutritional quality of low-grade poultry feed ingredients through fermentation: A review. Agriculture, 15.","DOI":"10.3390\/agriculture15050476"},{"key":"ref_27","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"100284","DOI":"10.1016\/j.animal.2021.100284","article-title":"Physiological growth trend of current meat broilers and dietary protein and energy management approaches for sustainable broiler production","volume":"15","author":"Maharjan","year":"2021","journal-title":"Animal"},{"key":"ref_28","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"25","DOI":"10.1016\/j.livsci.2010.02.007","article-title":"Nutritional limitations on growth and development in poultry","volume":"130","author":"Gous","year":"2010","journal-title":"Livest. Sci."},{"key":"ref_29","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"104530","DOI":"10.1016\/j.psj.2024.104530","article-title":"Interactive effect of dietary metabolizable energy levels with amino acid density in male broiler chickens: Carcass yield, nutrient intake, digestibility and excretion","volume":"104","author":"Toghyani","year":"2025","journal-title":"Poult. Sci."},{"key":"ref_30","unstructured":"Cobb-Vantress (2015). Broiler Performance and Nutrition Supplement, Cobb Vantress Inc."},{"key":"ref_31","unstructured":"Aviagen, N. (2022). Ross 308\/Ross 308 ff Broiler: Performance Objectives, Aviagen. Inc."},{"key":"ref_32","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"100414","DOI":"10.1016\/j.japr.2024.100414","article-title":"Effect of metabolizable energy levels and conditioning temperatures on broiler performance, processing yield, footpad lesions, and nutrient digestibility from 1 to 42 d of age","volume":"33","author":"Hernandez","year":"2024","journal-title":"J. Appl. Poult. Res."},{"key":"ref_33","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Taylor-Bowden, T., Bhogoju, S., Khwatenge, C.N., and Nahashon, S.N. (2024). The impact of essential amino acids on the gut microbiota of broiler chickens. Microorganisms, 12.","DOI":"10.3390\/microorganisms12040693"},{"key":"ref_34","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"e70383","DOI":"10.1111\/1541-4337.70383","article-title":"Advances in dietary modulation of the intestinal barrier: Mechanistic, structural, and functional insights","volume":"25","author":"Zang","year":"2026","journal-title":"Compr. Rev. Food Sci. Food Saf."},{"key":"ref_35","unstructured":"Niu, J., Qiao, Y., Yang, X., Chen, X., Li, H., Guo, Y., Zhang, W., and Wang, Z. Low-protein diets supplemented with protease and bacillus coagulans improve growth performance by promoting amino acid absorption and enhancing intestinal health of broilers. Bacillus Coagulans."},{"key":"ref_36","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Idowu, P.A., Mbambalala, L., Akinmoladun, O.F., and Idowu, A.P. (2025). Gut microbiome modulation by probiotics: Implications for livestock growth performance and health\u2014Narrative review. Appl. Microbiol., 5.","DOI":"10.3390\/applmicrobiol5040149"},{"key":"ref_37","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Zafar, M.S., Qaisrani, S.N., Hayat, Z., and Nauman, K. (2025). Impacts of protease sources on growth and carcass response, gut health, nutrient digestibility, and cecal microbiota profiles in broilers fed poultry-by-product-meal-based diets. Metabolites, 15.","DOI":"10.3390\/metabo15070445"},{"key":"ref_38","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"106855","DOI":"10.1016\/j.psj.2026.106855","article-title":"Evaluating kleinia odora leaves as a novel phytogenic feed additive to enhance early growth, feed efficiency, european performance efficiency index, and carcass yield in broilers","volume":"105","author":"Alqhtani","year":"2026","journal-title":"Poult. Sci."},{"key":"ref_39","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Akdemir Evrendilek, G. (2026). Postbiotics and phytogenics as functional feed additives: Impact on gut health and growth performance. Appl. Sci., 16.","DOI":"10.3390\/app16031518"},{"key":"ref_40","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"104231","DOI":"10.1016\/j.psj.2024.104231","article-title":"Evaluation of dietary supplementation of garlic powder (allium sativum) on the growth performance, carcass traits and meat quality of japanese quails (coturnix coturnix japonica)","volume":"103","author":"Jalal","year":"2024","journal-title":"Poult. Sci."},{"key":"ref_41","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"19164","DOI":"10.1038\/s41598-025-04459-6","article-title":"A synbiotic improves performance and gut health in broiler chickens","volume":"15","author":"Khosravi","year":"2025","journal-title":"Sci. Rep."},{"key":"ref_42","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"103607","DOI":"10.1016\/j.psj.2024.103607","article-title":"Systematic review on microbiome-related nutritional interventions interfering with the colonization of foodborne pathogens in broiler gut to prevent contamination of poultry meat","volume":"103","author":"Mekonnen","year":"2024","journal-title":"Poult. Sci."},{"key":"ref_43","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Abdelli, N., Sol\u00e0-Oriol, D., and P\u00e9rez, J.F. (2021). Phytogenic feed additives in poultry: Achievements, prospective and challenges. Animals, 11.","DOI":"10.3390\/ani11123471"},{"key":"ref_44","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Shehata, A.A., Yal\u00e7\u0131n, S., Latorre, J.D., Basiouni, S., Attia, Y.A., Abd El-Wahab, A., Visscher, C., El-Seedi, H.R., Huber, C., and Hafez, H.M. (2022). Probiotics, prebiotics, and phytogenic substances for optimizing gut health in poultry. Microorganisms, 10.","DOI":"10.3390\/microorganisms10020395"},{"key":"ref_45","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Boukrouh, S., Noutfia, A., Moula, N., Avril, C., Hornick, J.-L., Chentouf, M., and Cabaraux, J.-F. (2023). Effects of sulla flexuosa hay as alternative feed resource on goat\u2019s milk production and quality. Animals, 13.","DOI":"10.1038\/s41598-023-40148-y"},{"key":"ref_46","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"223","DOI":"10.5194\/aab-68-223-2025","article-title":"Microalgae supplementation improves goat milk composition and fatty acid profile: A meta-analysis and meta-regression","volume":"68","author":"Boukrouh","year":"2025","journal-title":"Arch. Anim. Breed."},{"key":"ref_47","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"481","DOI":"10.5194\/aab-67-481-2024","article-title":"Growth performance, carcass characteristics, fatty acid profile, and meat quality of male goat kids supplemented by alternative feed resources: Bitter vetch and sorghum grains","volume":"67","author":"Boukrouh","year":"2024","journal-title":"Arch. Anim. Breed."},{"key":"ref_48","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Al-Garadi, M.A., Alhotan, R.A., Hussein, E.O., Qaid, M.M., Suliman, G.M., Al-Badwi, M.A., Fazea, E.H., and Olarinre, I.O. (2025). 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. Front. Vet. Sci., 12.","DOI":"10.3389\/fvets.2025.1671325"},{"key":"ref_49","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"107288","DOI":"10.1016\/j.psj.2026.107288","article-title":"Anticoccidial efficacy of a cinnamon-rumex nervosus phytobiotic mixture on growth performance, carcass traits, cecal morphology, and cecal health in eimeria tenella-challenged broilers","volume":"105","author":"Qaid","year":"2026","journal-title":"Poult. Sci."},{"key":"ref_50","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"2694133","DOI":"10.1080\/23311932.2026.2694133","article-title":"Growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, and economic efficiency of ross 308 broilers at different slaughter ages and sexes","volume":"12","author":"Suliman","year":"2026","journal-title":"Cogent Food Agric."},{"key":"ref_51","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"102943","DOI":"10.1016\/j.psj.2023.102943","article-title":"Effects of rumex nervosus leaf powder supplementation on carcasses compositions, small intestine dimensions, breasts color quality, economic feasibility in broiler chickens","volume":"102","author":"Qaid","year":"2023","journal-title":"Poult. Sci."},{"key":"ref_52","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Qaid, M.M., Al-Mufarrej, S.I., Azzam, M.M., Al-Garadi, M.A., Alqhtani, A.H., Al-Abdullatif, A.A., Hussein, E.O., and Suliman, G.M. (2022). Dietary cinnamon bark affects growth performance, carcass characteristics, and breast meat quality in broiler infected with eimeria tenella oocysts. Animals, 12.","DOI":"10.3390\/ani12020166"},{"key":"ref_53","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"39","DOI":"10.1007\/s44463-025-00030-z","article-title":"From slaughterhouse waste to functional feed: Pilot-scale bovine blood hydrolysate improves antioxidant activities and meat quality in slow-growing chickens","volume":"46","author":"Boonkong","year":"2026","journal-title":"Food Sci. Anim. Resour."},{"key":"ref_54","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"33","DOI":"10.1080\/1828051X.2024.2436955","article-title":"Synergistic effects of risco\u2013nutrifour probiotic mixtures as feed additives on growth performance and carcase characteristics of broiler chickens over 28 days","volume":"24","author":"Qaid","year":"2025","journal-title":"Ital. J. Anim. Sci."},{"key":"ref_55","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1305","DOI":"10.1080\/1828051X.2024.2397494","article-title":"Effects of dietary cinnamon bark on quality, texture profile, and other physicochemical features of broiler carcase","volume":"23","author":"Qaid","year":"2024","journal-title":"Ital. J. Anim. Sci."},{"key":"ref_56","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1201","DOI":"10.1016\/j.foodchem.2009.08.034","article-title":"Protease activity and the ultrastructure of broiler chicken pse (pale, soft, exudative) meat","volume":"119","author":"Wilhelm","year":"2010","journal-title":"Food Chem."},{"key":"ref_57","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"100904","DOI":"10.1016\/j.psj.2020.12.009","article-title":"The effects of clove seed (syzygium aromaticum) dietary administration on carcass characteristics, meat quality, and sensory attributes of broiler chickens","volume":"100","author":"Suliman","year":"2021","journal-title":"Poult. Sci."},{"key":"ref_58","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"104523","DOI":"10.1016\/j.psj.2024.104523","article-title":"Effects of dietary dihydroartemisinin on growth performance, meat quality, and antioxidant capacity in broiler chickens","volume":"104","author":"Pu","year":"2025","journal-title":"Poult. Sci."},{"key":"ref_59","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"5572","DOI":"10.1016\/j.psj.2020.08.023","article-title":"Rumex nervosus leaves meal improves body weight gain, duodenal morphology, serum thyroid hormones, and cecal microflora of broiler chickens during the starter period","volume":"99","author":"Azzam","year":"2020","journal-title":"Poult. Sci."},{"key":"ref_60","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"43","DOI":"10.1080\/1828051X.2024.2441349","article-title":"Effect of activated and inactivated saccharomyces cerevisiae as alternative to antibiotic growth promoter on the performance and health of broilers infected with clostridium perfringens","volume":"24","author":"Alharthi","year":"2025","journal-title":"Ital. J. Anim. Sci."},{"key":"ref_61","unstructured":"SAS (2012). Sas Institute\/Stat 9.3. User\u2019s Guide: Mathematical Programming Examples, Sas Inst."},{"key":"ref_62","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Proszkowiec-Weglarz, M., Miska, K.B., Ellestad, L.E., Schreier, L.L., Kahl, S., Darwish, N., Campos, P., and Shao, J. (2022). Delayed access to feed early post-hatch affects the development and maturation of gastrointestinal tract microbiota in broiler chickens. BMC Microbiol., 22.","DOI":"10.1186\/s12866-022-02619-6"},{"key":"ref_63","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Mohiuddin, M., Hameed, H., Waqar, M., Ara, R., Jahangir, A., Liaqat, A., Munawar, M., Rafiq, I., Younas, S., and Asghar, M.R. (2026). From feed to function: Modulation of gut microbiota and pathogen control in poultry using natural feed additives. World\u2019s Poult. Sci. J., 1\u201346.","DOI":"10.1080\/00439339.2026.2652094"},{"key":"ref_64","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Qaid, M.M., Al-Mufarrej, S.I., Azzam, M.M., Al-Garadi, M.A., Albaadani, H.H., Alhidary, I.A., and Aljumaah, R.S. (2021). Growth performance, serum biochemical indices, duodenal histomorphology, and cecal microbiota of broiler chickens fed on diets supplemented with cinnamon bark powder at prestarter and starter phases. Animals, 11.","DOI":"10.3390\/ani11010094"},{"key":"ref_65","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"57","DOI":"10.1080\/00439339.2022.1988804","article-title":"Probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics: An overview of their delivery routes and effects on growth and health of broiler chickens","volume":"78","author":"Khomayezi","year":"2022","journal-title":"World\u2019s Poult. Sci. J."},{"key":"ref_66","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Kim, S.A., Jang, M.J., Kim, S.Y., Yang, Y., Pavlidis, H.O., and Ricke, S.C. (2019). Potential for prebiotics as feed additives to limit foodborne campylobacter establishment in the poultry gastrointestinal tract. Front. Microbiol., 10.","DOI":"10.3389\/fmicb.2019.00091"},{"key":"ref_67","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"2026","DOI":"10.1016\/j.psj.2019.11.017","article-title":"Yeast culture promotes the production of aged laying hens by improving intestinal digestive enzyme activities and the intestinal health status","volume":"99","author":"Zhang","year":"2020","journal-title":"Poult. Sci."},{"key":"ref_68","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1461","DOI":"10.5713\/ab.21.0562","article-title":"Microbial short-chain fatty acids: A bridge between dietary fibers and poultry gut health\u2014A review","volume":"35","author":"Ali","year":"2022","journal-title":"Anim. Biosci."},{"key":"ref_69","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Zhang, Z.Q., Guo, F.F., Du, W.J., Li, M., Shaukat, A., Jia, Z.Q., and Huang, S.C. (2026). Gut health in ostriches (struthio camelus): Insights into intestinal structure, functions, microbiome, and improvement strategies. Anim. Res. One Health.","DOI":"10.1002\/aro2.70069"},{"key":"ref_70","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"21690","DOI":"10.1038\/s41598-021-00699-4","article-title":"Selenium-enriched bacillus subtilis yb-1 14246 improved growth and immunity of broiler chickens through modified ileal bacterial composition","volume":"11","author":"Yang","year":"2021","journal-title":"Sci. Rep."},{"key":"ref_71","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"101143","DOI":"10.1016\/j.psj.2021.101143","article-title":"The potential mechanistic insights and future implications for the effect of prebiotics on poultry performance, gut microbiome, and intestinal morphology","volume":"100","author":"Yaqoob","year":"2021","journal-title":"Poult. Sci."},{"key":"ref_72","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Strifler, P., Horv\u00e1th, B., Such, N., Farkas, V., W\u00e1gner, L., Dublecz, K., and P\u00e1l, L. (2023). Effects of feeding low protein diets with different energy-to-protein ratios on performance, carcass characteristics, and nitrogen excretion of broilers. Animals, 13.","DOI":"10.3390\/ani13091476"},{"key":"ref_73","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Musigwa, S., Cozannet, P., Asiamah, C.A., and Wu, S.-B. (2024). Effects of dietary protein levels, net energy levels, and essential amino acid-to-true protein ratios on broiler performance. Animals, 14.","DOI":"10.3390\/ani14213065"},{"key":"ref_74","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"107211","DOI":"10.1016\/j.psj.2026.107211","article-title":"Feasibility of rearing broilers in open-sided houses for extended periods: Impacts of feed withdrawal approaches on growth, carcass traits, and meat quality metrics","volume":"105","author":"Khatun","year":"2026","journal-title":"Poult. Sci."},{"key":"ref_75","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"100232","DOI":"10.1016\/j.japr.2021.100232","article-title":"Improving broiler performance at market age regardless of stocking density by using a pre-starter diet","volume":"31","author":"Polo","year":"2022","journal-title":"J. Appl. Poult. Res."},{"key":"ref_76","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Cisse, S., Matuszewski, A., Bie\u0144, D., Ciborowska, P., Zalewska, A., Urban, J., Michalczuk, M., Mendel, M., Latek, U., and Polak, J. (2025). Effects of standardized natural citrus extract on growth, gut health, carcass quality, and welfare of broiler chickens. Animals, 15.","DOI":"10.3390\/ani15020127"},{"key":"ref_77","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Saleh, A.A., Amber, K.A., Mousa, M.M., Nada, A.L., Awad, W., Dawood, M.A., Abd El-Moneim, A.E.-M.E., Ebeid, T.A., and Abdel-Daim, M.M. (2020). A mixture of exogenous emulsifiers increased the acceptance of broilers to low energy diets: Growth performance, blood chemistry, and fatty acids traits. Animals, 10.","DOI":"10.3390\/ani10030437"},{"key":"ref_78","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Kralik, G., Kralik, Z., Gr\u010devi\u0107, M., and Han\u017eek, D. (2018). Quality of chicken meat. Animal Husbandry Nutrition Research Reviews, IntechOpen.","DOI":"10.5772\/intechopen.72865"},{"key":"ref_79","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"107212","DOI":"10.1016\/j.psj.2026.107212","article-title":"Improving meat quality of the broiler chicken: Integrated mechanistic frameworks linking pre-slaughter determinants, postmortem transformations, and multi-omics technology","volume":"105","author":"Hossain","year":"2026","journal-title":"Poult. Sci."},{"key":"ref_80","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Hussain, S.A., Ahmad, S.R., Rashid, S., Fayaz, H., and Qureshi, A.I. (2024). Quality requirements of meat for processing. Hand Book of Processed Functional Meat Products, Springer.","DOI":"10.1007\/978-3-031-69868-2_3"},{"key":"ref_81","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1","DOI":"10.48130\/FMR-2023-0001","article-title":"Quality improvement and comprehensive utilization of abnormal broiler breast meat: A review","volume":"3","author":"Wang","year":"2023","journal-title":"Food Mater. Res."},{"key":"ref_82","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"3757","DOI":"10.1093\/jas\/sky238","article-title":"Effects of phytogenic additives on meat quality traits in broiler chickens","volume":"96","author":"Orlowski","year":"2018","journal-title":"J. Anim. Sci."},{"key":"ref_83","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"800","DOI":"10.1080\/10408390902911108","article-title":"Dietary strategies to improve nutritional value, oxidative stability, and sensory properties of poultry products","volume":"49","author":"Bou","year":"2009","journal-title":"Crit. Rev. Food Sci. Nutr."},{"key":"ref_84","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Duangnumsawang, Y., Zentek, J., and Boroojeni, F.G. (2021). Development and functional properties of intestinal mucus layer in poultry. Front. Immunol., 12.","DOI":"10.3389\/fimmu.2021.745849"},{"key":"ref_85","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"839","DOI":"10.3382\/ps.2013-03587","article-title":"Effects of dietary clays on performance and intestinal mucus barrier of broiler chicks challenged with salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium and on goblet cell function in vitro","volume":"93","author":"Almeida","year":"2014","journal-title":"Poult. Sci."},{"key":"ref_86","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"3945","DOI":"10.2527\/jas.2013-6368","article-title":"Modification of digesta ph and intestinal morphology with the use of benzoic acid or phytobiotics and the effects on broiler chicken growth performance and energy and nutrient utilization","volume":"92","author":"Olukosi","year":"2014","journal-title":"J. Anim. Sci."}],"container-title":["Veterinary Sciences"],"original-title":[],"language":"en","link":[{"URL":"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/2306-7381\/13\/8\/792\/pdf","content-type":"unspecified","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"similarity-checking"}],"deposited":{"date-parts":[[2026,8,10]],"date-time":"2026-08-10T11:02:42Z","timestamp":1786359762000},"score":1,"resource":{"primary":{"URL":"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/2306-7381\/13\/8\/792"}},"subtitle":[],"short-title":[],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026,8,8]]},"references-count":86,"journal-issue":{"issue":"8","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2026,8]]}},"alternative-id":["vetsci13080792"],"URL":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/vetsci13080792","relation":{},"ISSN":["2306-7381"],"issn-type":[{"value":"2306-7381","type":"electronic"}],"subject":[],"published":{"date-parts":[[2026,8,8]]}}}