According to Gram Research analysis, a 2026 study of 432 broiler chicks found that Fibrafid, a plant-based feed additive, improved chicken growth by 5.3% and reduced feed needed for weight gain by 4.0% when added at 2.5 kg per ton of feed. The supplement also reduced belly fat by 27.1% and improved intestinal health, suggesting it could help chickens thrive even on lower-nutrition diets.
Researchers tested a natural plant-based supplement called Fibrafid in chicken feed to see if it could help birds grow well even when the feed had fewer nutrients. They studied 432 baby chicks over 24 days, comparing regular feed to feed with less energy and protein, with and without the supplement. The results showed that Fibrafid, especially at higher doses, helped chickens gain weight faster, convert feed to meat more efficiently, and develop healthier intestines. This suggests Fibrafid could be a useful natural additive for chicken farms looking to reduce feed costs while maintaining bird health and meat quality.
Key Statistics
A 2026 study of 432 broiler chicks published in Veterinary Sciences found that Fibrafid supplementation at 2.5 kg per ton increased overall body weight gain by 5.3% compared to unsupplemented controls during the first 24 days of life.
According to the same 2026 research of 432 broiler chicks, Fibrafid at the highest dose improved feed conversion ratio by 4.0% during the grower phase and reduced abdominal fat deposition by 27.1% relative to birds receiving no supplement.
A 2026 trial with 432 broiler chicks found that Fibrafid supplementation increased relative thymus weight (an immune system organ) by 64.8% and improved jejunal morphology, indicating enhanced intestinal health in young birds.
In a 2026 study of 432 broiler chicks, Fibrafid supplementation improved the European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF) by 8.08%, a key measure combining growth rate and feed efficiency in poultry production.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether a natural plant-based feed additive called Fibrafid could help chickens grow better and stay healthier, even when fed lower-quality or less nutrient-dense feed.
- Who participated: 432 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks (a common meat chicken breed) divided into groups receiving different feed types and supplement levels, tracked from birth to 24 days old.
- Key finding: Chickens receiving the highest dose of Fibrafid (2.5 kg per ton of feed) gained 5.3% more weight, converted feed to meat 4% more efficiently, had 27.1% less belly fat, and showed better intestinal health compared to chickens receiving no supplement.
- What it means for you: If you raise chickens or work in poultry farming, Fibrafid might help you save money on feed costs while keeping birds healthy and producing quality meat. However, this study only looked at young chickens for 24 days, so more research is needed to confirm benefits in older birds and real farm conditions.
The Research Details
Scientists divided 432 baby chicks into groups based on two factors: the quality of their feed (standard nutrition or reduced nutrition with 1.5% less energy and 5% less protein) and the amount of Fibrafid supplement they received (none, 1.5 kg per ton, or 2.5 kg per ton). Each group had six separate pens with 12 birds each (six males and six females). The researchers tracked how much the chickens ate and grew, measured the quality of their meat, and examined their intestines under a microscope to see if the supplement affected gut health.
The study lasted 24 days, from when the chicks were one day old. This timeframe covers the early growth phase when chickens develop rapidly. The researchers measured multiple outcomes including body weight gain, how efficiently birds converted feed into meat (feed conversion ratio), meat quality characteristics like color and pH, fat deposits in the belly, immune system organ size, and the structure of intestinal tissue.
This research design is important because it tests whether a natural supplement can help chickens thrive even when farmers reduce expensive nutrients in their feed. This is practical for real-world farming because it shows whether the supplement could help reduce feed costs without harming bird health or meat quality. Testing on young chickens is a good starting point, though the researchers note that longer studies are needed.
The study was well-designed with multiple groups, replicates, and careful measurements of many different outcomes. The sample size of 432 birds is reasonably large. However, the study only lasted 24 days, which is the early growth phase—chickens are typically raised for 6-7 weeks before processing. The researchers measured intestinal structure but didn’t measure gut bacteria or blood chemistry, which could provide more information about how the supplement works. The study was conducted in controlled research conditions, not on commercial farms, so results may differ in real-world settings.
What the Results Show
Chickens that received the highest dose of Fibrafid (2.5 kg per ton) showed the strongest benefits. These birds gained 5.3% more weight overall compared to birds receiving no supplement. During the faster-growing period (days 11-24), their feed conversion ratio improved by 4.0%, meaning they needed less feed to gain the same amount of weight. The supplement also improved an efficiency score called EPEF by 8.08%, which combines growth rate and feed efficiency.
When chickens received lower-nutrition feed without the supplement, their growth slowed and meat quality suffered slightly. However, adding Fibrafid to the reduced-nutrition diet helped restore performance closer to normal levels. This suggests the supplement may help chickens compensate for lower-quality feed.
The supplement also affected body composition. Chickens receiving the highest Fibrafid dose had 27.1% less fat stored in their abdomens, which is desirable for meat quality. Additionally, their thymus glands (part of the immune system) were 64.8% larger relative to body weight, suggesting improved immune function.
When researchers examined the intestines under a microscope, they found that Fibrafid supplementation improved the structure of the jejunum (a section of the small intestine), which is important for nutrient absorption. Better intestinal structure typically means better nutrient uptake and overall health.
The study found that reducing dietary nutrients (lower energy and protein) did affect some meat quality measures, particularly the pH and lightness of breast meat. However, adding Fibrafid helped minimize these negative effects. The supplement appeared to work better at the higher dose (2.5 kg/ton) than the lower dose (1.5 kg/ton), suggesting there may be a dose-response relationship. The benefits were consistent across both male and female birds.
This research adds to growing evidence that plant-based functional additives can support poultry health and performance. Previous studies have shown that various plant extracts and fiber sources can improve gut health and feed efficiency in chickens. This study is notable because it specifically tests whether such supplements can help offset the negative effects of reduced-nutrition diets, which is a practical concern for farmers managing feed costs. The findings align with the general principle that better intestinal health supports better overall performance.
The study only lasted 24 days, covering the early growth phase of chickens. Commercial broilers are typically raised for 42-49 days, so we don’t know if benefits continue or change as birds age. The researchers didn’t measure gut bacteria composition or blood chemistry, which could explain how Fibrafid works. The study was conducted in controlled research conditions with careful monitoring, so results might differ on commercial farms with different management practices. The researchers note that economic analysis is needed to determine whether the benefits justify the cost of the supplement. Finally, this study only looked at meat chickens (broilers), so results may not apply to egg-laying chickens or other poultry.
The Bottom Line
Based on this research, Fibrafid at 2.5 kg per ton of feed appears to improve chicken growth and health during the early growth phase (moderate confidence level). The supplement may be particularly useful if you’re feeding lower-nutrition diets to reduce costs. However, the evidence is currently limited to the first 24 days of life, so recommendations for full-cycle production require additional research. Before implementing on a commercial farm, consider consulting with a poultry nutritionist and conducting a cost-benefit analysis.
Poultry farmers and feed manufacturers should pay attention to these findings, especially those looking to reduce feed costs while maintaining bird health. Researchers studying natural feed additives and gut health in poultry will find this work relevant. However, this study is too preliminary for consumers to make purchasing decisions based on Fibrafid use alone—other factors like overall farm management matter more for final meat quality.
In this study, benefits appeared within the first 24 days of the chickens’ lives. If you were to use this supplement on a farm, you might expect to see improved feed efficiency and weight gain within the first few weeks. However, the long-term effects through market age (6-7 weeks) are unknown, so you should monitor birds throughout their entire growth period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Fibrafid help chickens grow faster on cheaper feed?
Research shows that Fibrafid at 2.5 kg per ton improved growth by 5.3% and feed efficiency by 4.0% in young chickens, even when fed reduced-nutrition diets. However, this 2026 study only lasted 24 days, so longer-term effects on full-cycle production remain unclear.
What is Fibrafid and how does it work in chicken feed?
Fibrafid is a plant-based functional feed additive tested in this study. It appears to work by improving intestinal structure and health, which enhances nutrient absorption. The exact mechanisms aren’t fully understood yet and require further research.
Is Fibrafid safe for chickens and does it affect meat quality?
The study found no negative effects on meat quality and actually improved some quality traits. Chickens receiving Fibrafid had less belly fat and better intestinal health. However, safety data beyond 24 days of age and in commercial conditions is limited.
How much does Fibrafid cost and is it worth using on a farm?
The study doesn’t provide pricing information or economic analysis. While Fibrafid improved feed efficiency by 4%, you’d need to calculate whether the supplement cost is offset by feed savings and improved growth on your specific farm.
Will these results apply to older chickens raised to market age?
Unknown. This study only tracked chickens for 24 days, but commercial broilers are raised for 6-7 weeks. The researchers recommend further studies extending to market age to confirm whether benefits continue throughout the production cycle.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track daily feed intake and weekly body weight gain for flocks receiving Fibrafid versus control groups. Measure the feed conversion ratio (total feed consumed ÷ total weight gained) weekly to monitor efficiency improvements.
- If managing a poultry operation, implement Fibrafid supplementation at the 2.5 kg/ton dose in your feed formulation and establish a baseline measurement of current feed conversion and growth rates before making the change. Document any changes in bird health, mortality, and feed costs over the first 4-6 weeks.
- Set up a simple spreadsheet to track weekly weight gains, feed consumption, and calculated feed conversion ratios. Compare these metrics between flocks with and without the supplement over at least one full production cycle (6-7 weeks). Monitor bird health indicators like activity level and mortality rate. Calculate the cost per bird of the supplement versus the savings from improved feed efficiency.
This research summary is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary or nutritional advice. The study was conducted on young chickens (24 days old) in controlled research conditions and has not been tested in commercial farm settings or on older birds. Before implementing Fibrafid or making changes to poultry feed formulations, consult with a veterinarian or poultry nutritionist familiar with your specific operation. Results may vary based on breed, management practices, environmental conditions, and other factors. This summary reflects the findings of a single study; broader conclusions require additional research and peer review.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.