A digestive enzyme called β-mannanase significantly improves how efficiently young broiler chickens convert feed into body weight, according to a 2026 research study of 160 chicks. Chickens receiving the enzyme ate less food while maintaining similar growth, achieved through stronger intestinal barriers and healthier gut bacteria composition. Gram Research analysis shows the enzyme reduces feed intake while improving nutrient absorption, potentially reducing farming costs and environmental impact.
Researchers tested whether adding a special enzyme called β-mannanase to chicken feed could help young chickens grow better. According to Gram Research analysis, 160 baby chickens fed the enzyme-enriched diet ate less food but gained weight more efficiently than chickens on regular feed. The enzyme worked by making the chickens’ digestive system stronger and changing the helpful bacteria in their guts in positive ways. This discovery could help farmers raise healthier chickens while using less feed, which saves money and resources.
Key Statistics
A 2026 research study of 160 broiler chicks found that dietary β-mannanase supplementation at 150 mg/kg significantly improved feed conversion ratio from day 1 to 21, meaning chickens gained more weight per unit of feed consumed.
According to research published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science in 2026, β-mannanase supplementation increased intestinal barrier proteins including ZO-1, occludin, and mucin-2 by day 21, strengthening the protective lining of the digestive system.
A 2026 study of 160 broiler chicks found that β-mannanase supplementation modulated cecal microbiota composition, increasing beneficial bacteria like Alistipes and Lachnoclostridium while reducing potentially harmful bacterial populations.
Research on 160 young broiler chickens showed that dietary β-mannanase improved nutrient absorption markers SGLT1 and FABP6, indicating enhanced capacity to absorb glucose and fatty acids from feed.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether adding a digestive enzyme (β-mannanase) to chicken feed improves how well chickens grow and digest their food
- Who participated: 160 baby broiler chickens (a type raised for meat) divided into two groups of 80 each, studied from hatching to 21 days old
- Key finding: Chickens eating the enzyme supplement ate about 5-10% less food but converted that food into body weight more efficiently, with stronger intestinal walls and healthier gut bacteria
- What it means for you: If you raise chickens or work in poultry farming, this enzyme could reduce feed costs while maintaining or improving chicken health. For consumers, this may lead to more sustainably raised poultry. However, this research is specific to young broiler chickens and may not apply to other animals or situations.
The Research Details
Scientists divided 160 newly hatched broiler chicks into two equal groups. One group ate normal chicken feed (the control group), while the other group ate the same feed but with 150 milligrams of β-mannanase enzyme added per kilogram of feed. Both groups were raised identically for 21 days, and researchers measured how much the chickens ate, how much they weighed, and how efficiently they converted feed into body weight.
The researchers also examined the chickens’ intestines under a microscope to see if the enzyme changed the structure and function of their digestive system. They measured specific proteins that help nutrients pass through the intestinal wall and proteins that act like a seal to keep harmful substances out. Finally, they analyzed the bacteria living in the chickens’ cecum (a pouch in the digestive system) to see if the enzyme changed which bacteria were present.
This research approach is important because it looks at the complete picture of how an enzyme affects chicken health. Rather than just measuring weight gain, the researchers examined the biological mechanisms—how the enzyme actually changes the intestines and gut bacteria. This helps explain why the enzyme works, not just that it works. Understanding these mechanisms makes the findings more reliable and helps predict whether similar enzymes might work in other situations.
This study was published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, meaning other experts reviewed it before publication. The researchers used a controlled experimental design with multiple replicate groups (8 replicates per treatment), which reduces the chance that results happened by accident. The sample size of 160 birds is reasonable for this type of animal research. However, the study only lasted 21 days and only tested one dose of the enzyme, so longer-term effects and optimal dosages remain unclear.
What the Results Show
Chickens that received the β-mannanase enzyme ate significantly less food than the control group while maintaining similar body weight. This means the enzyme helped chickens get more nutrition from less food—a measure called feed conversion ratio. The enzyme appeared to work by making the food less thick and sticky as it moved through the digestive system, which is called reducing chyme viscosity in scientific terms.
The enzyme also strengthened the chickens’ intestinal barrier—the protective lining that controls what gets absorbed into the bloodstream. Researchers found higher levels of proteins that seal the intestinal wall (ZO-1 and occludin) and proteins that help absorb nutrients (SGLT1 and FABP6) in the enzyme-treated group. This stronger barrier means better nutrient absorption and less chance of harmful bacteria crossing into the bloodstream.
The enzyme changed which bacteria lived in the chickens’ guts. Specifically, it increased beneficial bacteria like Alistipes and Lachnoclostridium while reducing potentially harmful bacteria. These changes in gut bacteria composition likely contributed to the improved digestion and nutrient absorption observed in the study.
Beyond the main findings, the enzyme appeared to improve the overall health of the intestinal tissue. The intestinal lining showed better development and structure in the enzyme-treated group. The chickens also produced more mucin-2, a protective mucus layer that lines the intestines and helps prevent infections. These secondary findings suggest the enzyme promotes comprehensive gut health rather than just improving digestion.
This research builds on earlier studies showing that enzymes can improve chicken digestion. Previous research suggested that enzymes work by breaking down complex carbohydrates in feed, but this study provides more detailed evidence of how this process actually happens at the cellular level. The findings align with other research showing that modifying gut bacteria composition can improve animal health and feed efficiency. However, most previous studies focused on older chickens or different enzymes, so this is one of the first detailed looks at β-mannanase specifically in very young broilers.
This study only followed chickens for 21 days, which is the early growth phase. We don’t know if the benefits continue as chickens get older. The researchers only tested one dose of the enzyme (150 mg/kg), so we can’t say whether higher or lower doses might work better. The study was conducted in a controlled laboratory setting, so results might differ on actual farms with different conditions. Additionally, this research focused only on broiler chickens, so the findings may not apply to other types of poultry or animals. Finally, the study didn’t measure the cost-effectiveness of adding the enzyme, which would be important for farmers deciding whether to use it.
The Bottom Line
Based on this research, poultry producers may consider supplementing broiler feed with β-mannanase at 150 mg/kg to improve feed efficiency and gut health. The evidence is moderately strong for improved feed conversion and intestinal function in young broilers (confidence level: moderate to high for this specific age and breed). However, producers should conduct their own trials to confirm benefits in their specific farming conditions. Veterinarians and nutritionists should be consulted before making feed changes.
Poultry farmers and producers raising broiler chickens would benefit most from this research. Feed manufacturers and animal nutritionists should consider these findings when formulating chicken feeds. Consumers interested in sustainable and efficient food production may appreciate that this enzyme could reduce environmental impact by requiring less feed. This research is specific to young broiler chickens and may not apply to laying hens, turkeys, or other animals. Individual backyard chicken keepers would likely find the enzyme impractical for small-scale operations.
Based on this 21-day study, improvements in feed efficiency should appear within the first three weeks of a broiler’s life. The changes in intestinal structure and gut bacteria composition appeared to develop gradually over the 21-day period, suggesting that benefits accumulate over time. Farmers would likely see measurable improvements in feed costs and growth rates within the first month of implementation. Long-term effects beyond 21 days remain unknown and would require additional research.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does adding enzymes to chicken feed really help them grow better?
Yes, according to a 2026 study of 160 broiler chicks, β-mannanase enzyme supplementation improved feed conversion ratio, meaning chickens gained more weight using less food. The enzyme strengthens the intestinal barrier and improves nutrient absorption, making digestion more efficient.
How does this enzyme make chickens digest food better?
The enzyme reduces the thickness of food as it moves through the digestive system, allowing nutrients to be absorbed more easily. It also strengthens the intestinal lining and increases beneficial gut bacteria, all of which work together to improve nutrient uptake and digestion efficiency.
What changes happen in a chicken’s gut when they eat this enzyme?
The enzyme increases protective proteins in the intestinal wall (ZO-1 and occludin), boosts nutrient-absorbing proteins (SGLT1 and FABP6), and increases the mucus layer. It also changes the bacterial population, increasing helpful bacteria like Alistipes and Lachnoclostridium.
How long does it take to see benefits from adding this enzyme to chicken feed?
Based on the 21-day study, improvements in feed efficiency and intestinal function developed gradually over the first three weeks of life. Farmers would likely observe measurable improvements in feed conversion and growth rates within the first month of implementation.
Would this enzyme work for all types of chickens or just broilers?
This research specifically tested broiler chickens (meat chickens) up to 21 days old. The enzyme may not work the same way for laying hens, older chickens, or other poultry species. Additional research would be needed to determine effectiveness in other situations.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track daily feed consumption and weekly body weight gain for your flock, calculating feed conversion ratio (pounds of feed per pound of weight gained). Compare these metrics between treated and control groups to measure the enzyme’s effectiveness in your specific conditions.
- If managing a poultry operation, implement a trial period where you supplement feed for one group of chicks while keeping a control group on regular feed. Monitor and record feed intake, growth rates, and visible health indicators like feather quality and activity levels over the first three weeks.
- Establish baseline measurements before introducing the enzyme, then track weekly metrics including feed consumption, body weight, and feed conversion ratio. Document any changes in bird behavior, health, or mortality. Consider periodic gut health assessments if possible, and maintain detailed records to determine if the enzyme’s benefits justify its cost in your operation.
This research describes findings from a controlled laboratory study on broiler chickens and should not be considered medical or veterinary advice. Results may not apply to other poultry species, different ages, or farm conditions. Before implementing any feed additives or changes to poultry nutrition, consult with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist familiar with your specific operation. Individual results may vary based on genetics, environment, management practices, and feed quality. This summary is for informational purposes and does not constitute professional agricultural or veterinary guidance.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.