PIONEERING ANIMAL HEALTH THROUGH PHYTOGENIC INNOVATION

France Based IDENA’s Complex Phytogenic Animal Nutrition Products Through Feed Development has led to Higher Productivity and Better Animal Health – Ricky Thaper (www.rickythaper.com)

Improving livestock health has been recognized by producers as an important sustainability effort which improves efficiency and reduces productivity losses in the animal husbandry sector. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has urged nations to integrate animal health into their national climate commitments, calling it “vital for sustainable livestock production.” The roadmap recognized the importance of livestock to 1.7 billion farmers worldwide and offered proven pathways for addressing its climate footprint including better genetics, feed, and animal health. An UN report calculated the effects of different steps to address livestock emission by stating that animal productivity increase would reduce emissions 20%. It also stated that feed improvements by 12%, better animal health by 10%, improved genetics by 8% and methane reducing feed additives by 5%.

This growing recognition of the value of animal health and related technologies has the potential to boost livestock sustainability and decrease its carbon footprint. This will require adoption of strong biosecurity protocols, improved feed and use of good additives, better breeding practices and adoption of new digital technologies. Keeping this vision in mind, several companies have been working towards boosting animal health and productivity through development of innovative products keeping into consideration the unique needs of countries across the world.

Since its creation in 1995, France based global major in animal nutrition IDENA group has developed products keeping into account the nutritional needs of poultry, dairy, and piggery. The key focus of the IDENA is to introduce innovative additives and pre-mixes which boost the poultry and livestock feed and increase performances of poultry and livestock in the farms.

At IDENA, head-quartered in SAUTRON, Pays de la Loire, France, there are experts who are passionate about developing products which promote animal growth and welfare. IDENA’s technical and sales teams, often in the field, offers tailor-made advice to improve the formulation of products and optimise their effectiveness depending on the needs of the customer. The company has succeeded in establishing its fundamentals and convictions in the animal nutrition market, developing them and continuing to build on them. In 2001, the IDENA production plant in Pontchâteau, France was set up.

The mission of the company is to market natural alternatives to conventional additives in order to reduce the use of antibiotics and preserve their effectiveness (antibiotic resistance). These alternatives are made up of phytogenic, bioactive and active ingredients derived from lactic fermentations through IDENA’s sister company STI BIOTECHNOLOGIE which has developed a unique range of Postbiotics.

Following a specific inactivation process, STI Biotechnologie manufactures, among other products, a postbiotic solution, available in powder and liquid form. METALAC promotes digestive comfort, enhances animal welfare, and improves the animals’ immune status.

The company has numerous scientific publications: S. Jansseune’s thesis, published last June, expanded knowledge of METALAC through in vitro and in vivo experimental trials, as well as on the composition of metabolites synthesized during bacterial fermentation. The postbiotic contributes to the formation of a beneficial bacterial biofilm to protect intestinal villus cells, thereby strengthening the intestinal barrier. This research is continuing with a postdoctoral fellowship in collaboration with the University of Rennes, supervised by Monogastric Product Manager Maeva JEGOU.

Under the leadership of Director Christophe TANGUY, the Asia-Middle East region is managed by David CHEREL, based in China.

IDENA has also developed a complete range of nutritional specialities to improve the feed efficiency of animals fed in organic farming systems and these products are all approved by official organic farming certification bodies.

IDENA has a range of poultry products, among them; FORCIX PY (Prevention of the risk associated with Eimeria together with Necrotic Enteritis), FORKEY LS (Prevention of the risk associated with Histomonas in Turkeys), EVOPERF (Digestive comfort and performance), PONTIPLUS (Supporting hen productivity and longevity by maintaining laying rate and improving egg quality and breeders’ eggs hatchability) and IDAFIX+ (a large spectrum powerful mycotoxin binder). All these poultry products are based on the results of extensive scientific research, particularly into the action of plant extracts and essential oils. The issues studied relate mainly to make better use of the nutrients supplied and managing the risks of parasites and bacteria amongst the poultry birds. In poultry, IDENA focus is on gut health, mineral balance, feed efficiency, and resilience of birds under commercial conditions. IDENA solutions combine R&D, field validation, and practical formulation expertise to ensure both technical efficiency and economic viability. The nutrition experts in the company have developed a range of products designed to improve the feed efficiency of ruminants, focussing on critical components – protein, energy and fibre. The company also focussed on pig production for creating formulation through feed recipes and increase digestive efficiency of the animals.

To design animal feeding in different ways and to improve technical and economic performance while respecting animal welfare and the environment, IDENA develops quality feed products for the various sectors of the livestock economy- feed manufacturers, premix manufacturers, integrators, hatcheries, dairies, farms and breeders. The products are developed by consultants specialised by species. The IDENA group is made up of departments covering areas such as research and development, animal nutrition engineering and the manufacture of premixes and innovative specialities. This enables each entity to focus fully on its core business, whilst benefiting from the Group’s stability, experience and long term vision.

110 people are currently cooperating at IDENA, with Mr. Renaud Domitile as CEO and Mr. Massoud Aoun as General Manager. The commercial team is led by Mr. Franck Vaillant, Commercial Director, with 6 Regional Export Managers to cover the 5 continents.

Team of experts from the group also carry out on-farm audits to better adapt the formulation and use of additives to the context of each livestock farm. Six people are offering technical support for poultry: Mrs. Anne MAHIEU, Nutritionist-Head of Poultry Department, Dr. Jean-Marie WATIER- Vet Poultry Specialist, Ms. Amandine CANIN-Poultry Nutritionist Engineer, Mr. Khalil AOUAD, Poultry Nutritionist Engineer, and Mr. Bohdan BODNAR, Poultry Nutritionist Engineer, and also Mr. Renaud Domitile, CEO which is recognized worldwide for his nutrition expertise.

The 2000s saw the internationalisation of the Group’s activities. The company offers its services to hundreds of customers, both feed manufacturers and players in the animal sector, spread across France to more than 60 countries spanning five continents. It has succeeded in establishing its fundamentals and convictions in the animal nutrition market, developing them and continuing to build on them.

The Group has a robust central structure, which ensures strategic consistency, supports the development of its subsidiaries and fosters synergies between areas of expertise. The company’s annual revenue was approximately €50 million in 2025

With the future collaboration with Distributors in India, IDENA group has great plans to expand its presence in India, which has the world’s biggest livestock population said Mr. Renaud Domitile, CEO. The India poultry market is driven by strong demand for affordable animal protein and rapid industry structuring. However, it remains a highly competitive and price-sensitive market, where solutions must combine technical performance with clear economic return added Mr. Khalil AOUAD, Poultry Nutritionist Engineer.

Mr. Franck Vaillant, Commercial Director said through IDENA product innovation, India’s poultry and livestock sector will be immensely benefited to better feed and increase in productivity because of improvement in animal health. IDENA’s strength compared to most of its competitors lies not only in the fact that the company offers a range of innovative phytogenic products designed to improve feed efficiency and livestock performance, but that this offering is backed by extensive expertise in animal nutrition, feed formulation and livestock management, which IDENA’s teams make available to their partner clients.

For further information about IDENA poultry, dairy and piggery products, kindly visit IDENA Website: http://www.idena.fr/

Introduction
The poultry industry is one of the fastest-growing segments of global agriculture and plays a crucial role in ensuring food security, nutritional sustainability, and rural livelihoods. Poultry meat and eggs are among the most affordable and widely consumed sources of high-quality animal protein. However, the economic sustainability of poultry farming is increasingly threatened by rising feed costs, which account for nearly 65–75% of total production expenditure in commercial poultry enterprises. Among feed ingredients, soybean meal (SBM) constitutes the primary protein source because of its superior amino acid profile, high digestibility, and consistent nutrient availability. Nevertheless, volatility in soybean prices due to climate change, global trade disruptions, geopolitical conflicts, biofuel competition, transportation costs, and fluctuating international commodity markets has significantly increased production costs in poultry farming. The dependence on imported soybean meal in many developing countries, including India, further exposes poultry producers to supply chain uncertainties and foreign exchange fluctuations. Consequently, poultry nutritionists and farm managers are actively exploring alternative protein sources and innovative farm management strategies to reduce feed costs while maintaining productivity, flock health, and profitability. Simultaneously, advances in precision poultry farming, digital technologies, environmental control systems, and feed efficiency optimization are transforming poultry production into a more data-driven and economically resilient enterprise. The integration of nutritionally viable soymeal alternatives with smart farm management practices offers a promising pathway toward sustainable poultry production under conditions of escalating feed prices.

Importance of Soybean Meal in Poultry Nutrition
Soybean meal has long been regarded as the benchmark protein ingredient in poultry diets because of its excellent nutritional characteristics. Typically containing 44–48% crude protein, soybean meal provides an ideal balance of essential amino acids, particularly lysine, which is often limiting in cereal-based diets. Its high digestibility, palatability, and relatively low fibre content make it highly suitable for broilers, layers, breeders, and turkeys.
In broiler nutrition, soybean meal supports rapid muscle development, efficient feed conversion, and improved carcass quality. In layer production, it contributes to enhanced egg production, egg mass, and shell quality. Furthermore, soybean meal contains beneficial bioactive compounds and functional peptides that positively influence gut health and immune responses.

Despite these advantages, excessive dependence on soybean meal has created several challenges for the poultry industry. Global soybean production is concentrated in a limited number of countries, making supply chains vulnerable to climatic events, geopolitical instability, and export restrictions. Additionally, soybean cultivation has been associated with deforestation, biodiversity loss, and environmental concerns, especially in South America. Increasing competition between feed, food, and biofuel sectors has also intensified pressure on soybean availability and pricing.

As feed costs continue to rise, the poultry industry is increasingly compelled to diversify protein sources and adopt more economically sustainable feeding strategies.

Economic Consequences of Rising Feed Cost in Poultry Production
Feed cost inflation directly reduces profit margins in poultry enterprises. Since poultry production operates on relatively narrow economic margins, even modest increases in feed prices can significantly affect profitability. Broiler production is particularly sensitive because of short production cycles and high feed consumption rates. Similarly, in layer operations, prolonged periods of elevated feed prices may substantially reduce returns over feed cost.

Rising feed costs result in several economic consequences:
– Increased cost per kilogram of live weight gain.
– Reduced feed conversion efficiency under poor-quality diets.
– Decline in egg production profitability.
– Increased market price of poultry products.
– Reduced competitiveness of small-scale producers.
– Lower farm expansion and investment capacity.

In many regions, feed manufacturers and poultry producers respond by reformulating diets with lower-cost ingredients. However, indiscriminate replacement of soybean meal without proper nutritional balancing may impair growth performance, immunity, carcass quality, and reproductive efficiency. Therefore, economically sustainable poultry production requires a scientific approach that combines alternative feed ingredients with precision nutritional management.

Oilseed Meals as Alternatives to Soybean Meal
Oilseed by-products are among the most practical alternatives to soybean meal in poultry feeding systems. Several oilseed meals possess substantial protein content and can partially replace soybean meal when diets are appropriately formulated.

Canola Meal
Canola meal contains approximately 35–40% crude protein and is rich in sulphur-containing amino acids. It can effectively replace part of soybean meal in broiler and layer diets. However, its higher fibre content and presence of glucosinolates may limit inclusion levels.

Sunflower Meal
Sunflower meal is another important protein source with good methionine content. Dehulled sunflower meal possesses improved nutrient density and can be used efficiently in poultry rations. Enzyme supplementation enhances its digestibility.

Cottonseed Meal
Cottonseed meal provides substantial protein but contains gossypol, a toxic pigment that restricts its inclusion in poultry diets. Proper processing and iron supplementation may reduce toxicity concerns.

Groundnut Cake
Groundnut cake is widely used in India and other Asian countries because of its local availability and moderate protein content. However, aflatoxin contamination remains a major concern requiring strict quality control measures.

Sesame and Linseed Cakes
These oilseed cakes provide supplementary protein and beneficial fatty acids, although their use is often limited by fibre content and anti-nutritional factors. Oilseed meals can substantially reduce feed costs when incorporated scientifically with amino acid balancing and enzyme supplementation.

Use of Legume Grains in Poultry Feeding
Legume grains are gaining popularity as sustainable and locally available protein alternatives in poultry nutrition. Commonly used legumes include peas, lupins, chickpeas, pigeon pea, and faba beans.
Nutritional Advantages
– Moderate to high protein content.
– Good starch availability.
– Reduced dependence on imported soybean meal.
– Nitrogen fixation benefits in agriculture.
– Lower environmental footprint.

Constraints
– Presence of tannins, trypsin inhibitors, lectins, and non-starch polysaccharides.
– Lower methionine content compared to soybean meal.
– Variability in nutrient composition.

Modern processing technologies such as extrusion, roasting, soaking, dehulling, and fermentation help reduce anti-nutritional factors and improve nutrient utilization. In broiler diets, partial replacement of soybean meal with processed legumes has demonstrated satisfactory growth performance and feed efficiency.
The use of locally cultivated legumes can also strengthen regional feed security and reduce transportation-related costs.

Distillers Dried Grains and Agro-Industrial By-Products
Agro-industrial by-products represent an economically valuable resource for poultry feeding. The poultry industry increasingly utilizes these ingredients within circular economy models aimed at reducing waste and improving resource efficiency.

Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS)
DDGS is a by-product of ethanol production and contains considerable protein, fat, phosphorus, and digestible energy. It is widely used in broiler and layer diets at moderate inclusion levels.
Rice Bran
Rice bran is abundantly available in rice-producing countries and provides energy, oil, vitamins, and moderate protein. Stabilization is necessary to prevent rancidity.
Wheat Bran and Pollard
These by-products supply fibre, phosphorus, and moderate protein but are generally used at lower inclusion rates in poultry because of high fibre levels.
Brewer’s Grains
Brewer’s grains can serve as low-cost feed ingredients after proper drying and preservation.
Bakery Waste
Processed bakery waste offers a highly digestible energy source capable of partially replacing maize in poultry diets. Although agro-industrial by-products reduce feed costs, variability in nutrient composition necessitates routine laboratory analysis and quality assurance.

Insect Meal as a Novel Protein Source
Insect meal has emerged as a highly promising alternative protein source for poultry production. Black soldier fly larvae meal, mealworm meal, and housefly larvae meal possess high crude protein levels and favourable amino acid profiles.

Advantages of Insect Meal
– Excellent digestibility.
– High protein concentration.
– Efficient conversion of organic waste into biomass.
– Reduced land and water use.
– Lower environmental impact compared to soybean cultivation.

Studies have shown that insect meal can partially replace soybean meal and fishmeal in broiler diets without adversely affecting growth performance or carcass quality. Some insect-derived lipids also possess antimicrobial properties that may support gut health.

However, large-scale commercialization faces several limitations:
– High production costs.
– Regulatory constraints.
– Limited industrial infrastructure.
– Consumer perception challenges.
As production technologies improve, insect meal may become increasingly competitive as a sustainable protein source for poultry feeding.

Algae, Single Cell Proteins, and Fermented Feed Ingredients
Microalgae and microbial proteins represent future-oriented feed resources with substantial potential for poultry nutrition.

Microalgae
Species such as Spirulina and Chlorella contain high-quality protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and pigments. In layer diets, algae supplementation enhances yolk pigmentation and antioxidant status.
Single Cell Protein (SCP)
Yeast, bacteria, and fungal biomass can provide highly digestible protein with rapid production rates and minimal land requirement.
Fermented Feed Ingredients
Fermentation improves nutrient availability and reduces anti-nutritional compounds in feed ingredients. Fermented soybean meal, fermented legumes, and probiotic-enriched feeds enhance gut health and nutrient absorption in poultry.

These technologies contribute to improved feed conversion efficiency and may reduce dependence on expensive conventional protein sources.

Precision Nutrition and Least-Cost Feed Formulation
Precision nutrition is essential for maintaining profitability during periods of feed cost escalation. Modern least-cost formulation software allows nutritionists to design diets that meet nutrient requirements at minimum cost while incorporating alternative ingredients.

Major Precision Nutrition Approaches
– Digestible amino acid formulation.
– Ideal protein concept.
– Phase feeding.
– Precision protein nutrition.
– Net energy systems.
– Use of synthetic amino acids.

The supplementation of lysine, methionine, threonine, valine, and tryptophan enables significant reduction in crude protein levels without compromising performance. Lower protein diets reduce feed cost, nitrogen excretion, and metabolic stress.

Feed enzymes such as phytase, xylanase, protease, and β-glucanase further enhance nutrient digestibility and improve utilization of unconventional feed ingredients.

Precision nutrition therefore represents a cornerstone strategy for economical poultry production under volatile feed markets.

Smart Feeding Systems and Feed Wastage Reduction
Feed wastage significantly contributes to economic losses in poultry farming. Smart feeding technologies help optimize feed distribution, minimize wastage, and improve feed efficiency.

Important Smart Feeding Technologies
– Automated feeding systems.
– Sensor-based feed dispensers.
– Precision feed allocation systems.
– Real-time feed intake monitoring.
– Smart silos and inventory systems.
Automated systems ensure uniform feed distribution and reduce labour dependency. Sensor technologies can detect abnormal feed consumption patterns, enabling early identification of health or management problems.

Proper feeder design, adjustment of feeder height, and prevention of feed spillage also play important roles in minimizing wastage. Even small reductions in feed wastage can substantially improve farm profitability during periods of high feed prices.

Environmental Control and Poultry House Management
Environmental management strongly influences feed intake, nutrient utilization, and overall poultry performance. Poor environmental conditions reduce growth rate, impair immunity, and worsen feed conversion efficiency.

Critical Environmental Factors
– Temperature.
– Humidity.
– Ventilation.
– Air quality.
– Lighting programs.
– Litter management.

Heat stress is particularly detrimental in tropical and subtropical poultry production systems. Birds exposed to high temperatures reduce feed intake, resulting in lower body weight gain and egg production.

Modern environmentally controlled poultry houses utilize:
– Tunnel ventilation.
– Evaporative cooling systems.
– Automated climate control.
– Smart sensors for temperature and humidity monitoring.
These systems help maintain optimal environmental conditions, improve bird comfort, and enhance feed efficiency.

Gut Health Management and Feed Efficiency
Maintaining optimal gut health is essential for efficient nutrient utilization and profitability in poultry production. Intestinal health directly affects digestion, absorption, immunity, and feed conversion efficiency.

Key Gut Health Strategies
– Probiotics.
– Prebiotics.
– Organic acids.
– Phytogenic feed additives.
– Enzymes.
– Competitive exclusion products.

The reduction in antibiotic growth promoter usage has increased the importance of alternative gut health management approaches. Healthy intestinal microflora improves nutrient digestibility and reduces disease susceptibility.

Mycotoxin management is equally critical because contaminated feed ingredients can impair gut integrity, suppress immunity, and reduce productivity. The use of toxin binders and strict feed quality control helps maintain flock performance under challenging feeding conditions.

Digital Technologies and Precision Poultry Farming
Precision poultry farming integrates digital technologies, automation, sensors, artificial intelligence, and data analytics to optimize poultry production efficiency.

Applications of Precision Poultry Farming
– Real-time flock monitoring.
– Automated mortality detection.
– Feed and water consumption analysis.
– Environmental monitoring.
– Predictive disease surveillance.
– Behavioural analysis using cameras and sensors.

Artificial intelligence-based systems can identify deviations in flock behaviour before visible clinical signs appear. Early disease detection reduces mortality losses and treatment costs.

Cloud-based management platforms allow integration of production, nutrition, health, and financial data for better decision-making. Data-driven management improves resource utilization and supports economic sustainability.

Sustainability and Climate-Resilient Poultry Production

Sustainable poultry production requires balancing economic profitability with environmental responsibility. Rising feed costs and climate-related disruptions highlight the need for resilient feeding systems and efficient resource utilization.

Important Sustainability Strategies
– Diversification of feed ingredients.
– Use of locally available feed resources.
– Circular economy approaches.
– Reduction of feed carbon footprint.
– Water conservation.
– Renewable energy utilization.

Climate-smart poultry production systems emphasize resilience against heat stress, feed shortages, disease outbreaks, and market volatility. Alternative proteins such as legumes, insect meal, algae, and agro-industrial by-products contribute to greater feed system sustainability.

The integration of smart technologies further improves resource efficiency and environmental performance.

Way Forward
Rising feed costs represent one of the most significant challenges confronting modern poultry production systems. Since soybean meal remains a major contributor to feed expenses, reducing dependency on conventional soybean-based diets has become an economic necessity for poultry producers worldwide. A wide range of alternative protein sources—including oilseed meals, legumes, agro-industrial by-products, insect meal, algae, microbial proteins, and fermented feed ingredients—offer considerable potential for reducing feed costs while maintaining productive performance.

However, successful incorporation of soymeal alternatives requires scientific feed formulation, proper ingredient processing, amino acid balancing, quality control, and strategic use of feed additives and enzymes. No single alternative ingredient can completely replace soybean meal under all production conditions; therefore, diversified and flexible feeding programs are essential.

Equally important is the adoption of smart farm management systems that improve feed efficiency and operational sustainability. Precision nutrition, automated feeding systems, environmental control technologies, gut health management, digital monitoring platforms, and artificial intelligence-based decision support systems can substantially enhance profitability during periods of volatile feed prices.

The future poultry industry will increasingly depend on the integration of alternative feed resources with precision poultry farming technologies. Producers capable of combining nutritional innovation, smart management, and sustainability-oriented practices will be better positioned to withstand economic uncertainties and maintain long-term profitability. Thus, exploring soymeal alternatives alongside intelligent farm management is not merely a temporary response to rising feed costs, but a strategic transformation toward resilient, efficient, and sustainable poultry production systems for the future.

Dr. Nilay Deshpande1, Dr. Vishal Patil2 and Dr. Geeta Pipaliya3
1PhD Poultry Science, 2MVSc Poultry Science, ICAR-Directorate of Poultry Research, Hyderabad
3Scientist, ICAR-Central Avian Research Institute, Izatnagar

Introduction
Insoluble fiber has gained increasing recognition in modern poultry nutrition due to its physiological importance, impact on digestive health, nutrient utilization, and welfare outcomes in birds. Unlike soluble fiber, which is rapidly fermented and increases digesta viscosity, insoluble fiber adds bulk, optimizes intestinal motility, and influences digesta structure to facilitate more efficient nutrient digestion and absorption.

Composition and Characteristics
Insoluble fiber primarily consists of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin—structural plant components resistant to hydrolysis by poultry endogenous enzymes. As it passes largely intact through the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), its physiological effects are exerted mainly through physical stimulation of digestive processes and organs rather than fermentation.

Mechanisms of Action
The activity of insoluble fiber in poultry nutrition is mediated through multiple mechanisms. Due to its indigestible nature, insoluble fiber accumulates in the gizzard, enhancing muscular development and function, thereby facilitating mechanical feed breakdown and improved efficiency of nutrient digestion. Moderate inclusion levels (1–2%) accelerate digesta passage, reduce retention of toxic metabolites, and enhance intestinal health. Insoluble fiber stimulates secretions of amylase, lipase, and protease, thereby improving starch, protein, and fat digestibility. Inclusion supports favorable intestinal morphology, such as increased villus height and crypt depth, contributing to enhanced absorptive capacity. Microbial Modulation: Insoluble fiber fosters a balanced gut microbiota by modifying the luminal environment and limiting pathogen proliferation.

Physiological and Welfare Outcomes
The presence of insoluble fiber in poultry diets exerts several measurable outcomes:
– Enhanced gizzard and proventriculus growth, supporting feed utilization efficiency.
– Faster intestinal transit, minimizing toxin accumulation.
– Improved litter quality and reduced wet litter incidence.
– Behavioral benefits, including amelioration of cannibalism and improved satiety, particularly in layers.

Metabolic Effects and Excretion
Metabolically, insoluble fiber is minimally fermented in the caeca, with its primary influence derived from physical and physiological stimulation. Notable outcomes include:
– Enhanced pancreatic enzyme secretion, improving nutrient extraction.
– Improved intestinal morphology that augments nutrient absorption.
– Increased bulk volume of excreta with improved consistency, resulting in firmer, drier droppings.
– Reduced ammonia generation and improved hygiene, thereby lowering infection risks in poultry houses.
Sources of Insoluble Fiber
Historically, wheat bran and rice bran have been common fiber sources due to their high cellulose content and cost-effectiveness. However, their susceptibility to mycotoxin contamination has prompted a transition to safer alternatives:

– Agricultural By-products: Oat hulls, soybean hulls, sunflower hulls, and pea hulls now serve as reliable fiber sources with high inclusion potential.
– Purified Products: Commercial lignocellulose concentrates provide mycotoxin-free, standardized fiber inclusion with improved reliability.
– Other Sources: Rice hulls and wood shavings add bulk, contributing positively to litter quality, nutrient absorption, and predator-prevention behavior (e.g., reduced cannibalism).

Comparative Nutritional Profiles
Wheat and rice bran remain cost-effective and commonplace, though often limited to below 5% of the diet because of contamination risks. Soybean and sunflower hulls offer high crude fiber and moderate protein, while oat hulls excel in stimulating digestive organs. Lignocellulose offers the highest concentration of insoluble fiber with the lowest contamination risk and greatest consistency.

Performance Outcomes
Recent Indian studies (2024) demonstrated that the inclusion of 2.5% soybean hulls or lignocellulose in broiler diets improved body weight gain (BWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Similarly, rice hull supplementation has been associated with increased gizzard weight without adverse effects on carcass yield, validating the importance of insoluble fiber for digestive organ development and growth performance.

Strategies to Manage Soluble and Insoluble Fiber Levels
The key to successful fiber management lies in achieving optimal ratios. Research demonstrates that moderate levels of insoluble fiber (3-5% of diet) can actually enhance nutrient digestibility by stimulating digestive organ development and pancreatic enzyme secretions, while excessive soluble fiber levels create viscosity problems that impair performance.

1) Cost-Effective Fiber Source Selection
Primary Insoluble Fiber Sources
Wheat bran remains the most economical insoluble fiber source, providing 44.6 % fiber content. It offers excellent laxative properties when mashed with warm water and helps maintain optimal litter moisture.

Rice bran represents another cost-effective option, delivering 10-14% protein alongside 20-24% total dietary fiber and 10.4 MJ ME/kg energy content. This dual nutrient contribution makes rice bran particularly valuable for achieving both fiber and protein targets.
De-oiled rice bran (DORB) provides concentrated fiber benefits with reduced oil content, making it suitable for higher inclusion rates without compromising pellet quality.

Alternative Fiber Sources
Sunflower hulls and oat hulls offer concentrated insoluble fiber sources that require minimal inclusion levels to achieve desired fiber targets. These sources are particularly valuable when formulating high-energy density diets where traditional bran sources would excessively dilute nutrient concentration.

Soy hulls contain approximately 36% crude fiber and 10% crude protein, making them excellent fiber sources for ruminants but requiring careful consideration in poultry diets due to potential bloating risks.

2) Enzyme-Based Fiber Management Strategies
Single Enzyme Approaches
Xylanase supplementation at 16,000-32,000 BXU/kg has proven highly effective for managing arabinoxylans, particularly in wheat-based diets.
Research demonstrates that double-dose xylanase (32,000 BXU/kg) provides superior NSP degradation and oligosaccharide release compared to standard doses.
Studies with de-oiled rice bran supplementation show that xylanase at 10g/100kg feed improved body weight gain and feed consumption while reducing mortality rates compared to high-fiber control diets. The enzyme enabled profitable utilization of 4.5% crude fiber levels, with net profit per kg body weight gain being highest in the maximum fiber plus xylanase treatment.
Multi-Enzyme Complex Systems
Carbohydrase-protease-phytase combinations demonstrate additive beneficial effects, particularly in nutritionally marginal diets. Combined enzyme supplementation can improve body weight gain by 14% compared to individual enzyme use (6-7% improvement). This synergistic effect results from:
– Enhanced protein and amino acid digestibility through protease action
– Improved phosphorus availability via phytase activity
– Better carbohydrate utilization through NSP-degrading enzymes
– Reduced anti-nutritional factor impacts

NSP-degrading enzyme cocktails containing xylanase, β-glucanase, cellulase, pectinase, mannanase, galactanase, and arabinofuranosidase show variable results depending on substrate composition. While effective for complex fiber matrices, they require precise matching to dietary NSP profiles for optimal performance.

3) Feed Formulation Strategies for Cost Reduction
Matrix Value Application
Enzyme supplementation enables matrix value attribution, allowing nutritionists to reduce expensive ingredients while maintaining performance. Effective enzyme programs can provide energy matrices of 100+ kcal/kg, enabling significant reformulation flexibility.

Precision Nutrition Approaches and Fiber Level Management
Daily nutrient blending using a two-concentrate system, where a high-protein starter concentrate is diluted with a high-energy finisher concentrate, can improve feed conversion ratio by 7.8% while reducing feed costs by 4.13%. During the starter phase (0–10 days), diets should include minimal fiber (2–3% crude fiber) to maximize nutrient density and digestibility for critical early growth. In the grower phase (11–24 days), moderate fiber levels (3–4% crude fiber) combined with enzyme supplementation support gastrointestinal development while sustaining optimal growth performance. By the finisher phase (25+ days), strategic fiber inclusion at 4–5% helps reduce feed costs while promoting gut health and desirable meat quality parameters.

Advantages and Limitations
Insoluble fiber supplementation improves gut health by stimulating gizzard development, promoting intestinal morphology, and enhancing growth of beneficial microflora without adverse increases in digesta viscosity. It also provides measurable behavioural and welfare benefits—reducing cannibalism and supporting satiety in laying hens. By improving excreta consistency, insoluble fiber minimizes moisture, ammonia emissions, and infection risks. From a sustainability standpoint, utilizing agricultural by-products such as hulls and bran helps recycle waste and reduce environmental impact.

However, excessive use of insoluble fiber can dilute nutrient density, potentially impairing bird performance and necessitating careful dietary balancing. Variability in natural fiber sources—regarding composition, particle size, and quality—poses challenges for consistent feed formulation unless standardized products are used. Traditional sources such as wheat bran carry substantial mycotoxin risks; coarse materials can also complicate feed processing and flow. Moreover, insoluble fiber is poorly fermented, not contributing to beneficial short-chain fatty acid production observed with soluble fiber inclusion.

Market Trends and Future Perspectives
The global high-fiber feed market is projected to expand at a CAGR of approximately 6% through 2033, driven by rising consumer demand for welfare-centric, antibiotic-free poultry production. Current trends emphasize: Adoption of precision nutrition and stage-specific fiber blends. Expanded use of purified, standardized lignocellulose as a safe alternative to brans. Integration of fiber with probiotics and enzymes for optimized synergistic effects. Alignment with circular economy goals by valorizing crop by-products for feed.

Conclusion
Insoluble fiber, though metabolically inert, plays a fundamental physiological and metabolic role in poultry nutrition. Its inclusion enhances digestive efficiency, improves nutrient utilization, promotes gut health, optimizes excretion, and contributes to sustainable and welfare-friendly production systems. With ongoing innovations in fiber processing and precision feeding strategies, insoluble fiber presents substantial opportunities to improve poultry performance and farm sustainability. Proper management of inclusion rates and strict quality control remain critical for maximizing its benefits.

References are available on request.

Mycotoxins in the food chain: Understanding risks and exploring mitigation strategies

By: Dr. Maloshrie Bora, Program Manager – Feed Safety, Trouw Nutrition South Asia

The safety of animal feed is increasingly compromised by a confluence of global challenges, notably mycotoxin contamination. These toxic metabolites, produced by molds such as Aspergillus and Fusarium, pose significant health risks to livestock and, by extension, to humans consuming animal products. Contributing factors include a shortage of quality raw materials, exacerbated by supply chain bottlenecks and geopolitical disruptions. Climate change further intensifies the issue by altering temperature and precipitation patterns, creating favorable conditions for mold growth and mycotoxin production. Additionally, inadequate storage and transportation facilities, often lacking proper ventilation and climate control, facilitate the proliferation of these harmful fungi. Together, these elements underscore the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate mycotoxin risks and ensure feed safety.

Even the smallest lapse in post-harvest handling can swiftly trigger the formation of harmful secondary metabolites like mycotoxins. Factors such as delayed drying, inadequate moisture control, and poor storage conditions can create an environment conducive to fungal growth, leading to rapid mycotoxin accumulation. For instance, aflatoxin contamination in maize has been linked to improper drying and storage practices, highlighting the critical importance of stringent post-harvest management to ensure food safety.

Mycotoxin contamination poses a significant threat to various stakeholders in the agricultural and food sectors, including farmers, feed producers, food processors, public authorities, and end consumers. These toxic compounds adversely affect animal health by impairing the gastrointestinal tract, suppressing the immune system, and disrupting nutrient absorption, leading to decreased productivity and increased susceptibility to diseases. Implementing a comprehensive 360-degree mitigation strategy—encompassing prevention, detection, regulation, and education—can effectively address this multifaceted issue and safeguard public health and economic interests.

The “Big 6” mycotoxins—aflatoxins, ochratoxins, fumonisins, zearalenone, deoxynivalenol (DON), and T2 toxin—are among the most prevalent and toxic secondary metabolites produced by molds affecting agricultural commodities. These toxins impact various species differently; for instance, aflatoxins primarily affect liver function in mammals, while zearalenone exhibits estrogenic effects leading to reproductive issues in ruminants and pigs.

The incidence and severity of mycotoxin contamination are influenced by environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and rainfall, which can create conducive conditions for mold growth and toxin production. Not all mycotoxins are equally toxic across species; for example, DON is highly toxic to swine, whereas poultry are less affected. Climate change exacerbates the problem by altering weather patterns, potentially increasing the prevalence and distribution of mycotoxins in crops.

Aflatoxins occur worldwide in feed and feed stuffs which results in severe economic loss to poultry and livestock industries. The extent of Aflatoxin contamination varies with geographic location, farming methods and the susceptibility of commodities to fungal invasion during pre-harvest, storage, and processing periods. Numerous studies showed negative effects of Aflatoxin in broiler chickens including a decrease in the efficiency of feed utilization and body weight gain, liver damage, poor immune response, and increased mortality. Aflatoxin is shown to induce pathological alterations in important organs such as the liver, kidneys, and lymphoid organs. Furthermore, the transmission of aflatoxin B1(AFB1) and its metabolites from feed to animal edible tissues and products, such as the liver and eggs, becomes particularly important as a potential hazard for human health. Given the global economic importance of Aflatoxin, many strategies have been tried to minimize their negative impact. A successful prevention strategy must be economical and capable of eliminating all traces of toxin without leaving harmful residues and should not impair the nutritional quality of the commodities. Extensive research has been carried out using adsorbent (binder) materials that adsorbs to Aflatoxin molecule by means of ion exchange and thereby preventing their absorption into blood circulation. Among various binding agents, clays and yeast cell wall materials are the most tested. Silicates are the main group of clays that are studied extensively in terms of Aflatoxin binding. These include tectosilicates (zeolites), 1:1 phyllosilicates (kaolinite), 2:1 phyllosilicates (smectites, vermiculites, chlorites, micas) and sepiolite. All silicates, however, are not the same in terms of their ability to bind Aflatoxin and among the above, smectites have shown greater binding efficacy against Aflatoxin. The ability of smectite clays to bind mycotoxins depends on pH in the gut, molecular arrangements, and its geographic region of origin. Smectite clays possess high Aflatoxin adsorption capacity due to its high surface area, ion exchange capacity, and ability to swell in the presence of water, and the efficacy has been proven in vivo in broiler chickens. The leading hypothesis on the bonding mechanism between adsorbed aflatoxins and smectites is the electron donor–acceptor (EDA) model. Other models such as selective chemisorption, H-bonding, and bonding through furan rings were proposed.

The supplementation of smectite clay in feed to aflatoxin challenged broilers considerably reduced the magnitude of toxic effects of aflatoxin and improved growth and immune response. Hence, smectite clay could be successively used in feed to ameliorate the toxic effects of aflatoxins in broiler chickens.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), deoxynivalenol (DON) and ochratoxin A (OTA) are ones of the most common and dangerous mycotoxins. AFB1, produced mainly by Aspergillus, is one of the most poisonous toxins, which is classified as Group I carcinogen by the World Health Organization due to its hepatoxicity, immunotoxicity, mutagenicity, genotoxicity, and carcinogenicity on variety of animals. DON, produced by many Fusarium molds, contamination in feeds induces anorexia, emesis, and damage to intestinal barrier and immune function in animals through suppressing the synthesis of nucleic and proteins . OTA, a toxic metabolite from Aspergillus and Penicillium molds, possesses hepatoxic, nephrotoxic, neurotoxic, immunotoxic, and teratogenic effects on liver and kidney. Long-term epidemiological investigations have shown that most of the global feed is exposed to more than one mycotoxin, and mycotoxin contamination of food and animal feed is a worldwide problem. Meanwhile, when three mycotoxins co-existed in the poultry feeds, their interaction have been further associated with significant alterations in the productivity and profitability of animals. Therefore, development of remediation strategies to prevent or mitigate the mycotoxicosis is imperative.

Trouw Nutrition’s TOXO® range offers a suite of mycotoxin binders designed to mitigate the negative effects of mycotoxin contamination in animal feed. These products are formulated to support animal health and performance by reducing the bioavailability of harmful mycotoxins.
These products are part of Trouw Nutrition’s comprehensive approach to mycotoxin risk management, aiming to ensure feed safety and optimize animal health and performance.

TOXO®-MX: Precision for Aflatoxins
TOXO®-MX is a specialized binder formulated to combat aflatoxins, particularly Aflatoxin B1, which can adversely affect dairy cows and other livestock. By incorporating purified smectite clays, TOXO®-MX effectively reduces the bioavailability of aflatoxins in the gastrointestinal tract. This reduction leads to a significant decrease in the excretion of Aflatoxin M1 in milk, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and safeguarding consumer health. Additionally, TOXO®-MX enhances feed efficiency, as evidenced by improved milk production per kilogram of dry matter ingested in dairy cows.

TOXO®-XL: Comprehensive Protection Against Fusarium Mycotoxins
TOXO®-XL is an advanced binder designed to address the challenges posed by Fusarium-related mycotoxins, such as trichothecenes and fumonisins. This product combines smectite clays with specifically selected glucose biopolymers and purified β-glucans, which work synergistically to reinforce intestinal barrier function and modulate the immune response. The result is a comprehensive solution that not only binds and eliminates mycotoxins but also mitigates performance impairments caused by their exposure.

TOXO®: Broad-Spectrum Mycotoxin Binder
TOXO® serves as a versatile, broad-spectrum mycotoxin binder suitable for various animal species. It utilizes smectite clays to effectively reduce the bioavailability of a wide range of mycotoxins, including aflatoxins, ochratoxins, and zearalenone. By preventing the absorption of these toxins, TOXO® helps maintain animal health and performance, making it an essential component of comprehensive mycotoxin risk management strategies.
Collectively, the TOXO® product range represents a holistic approach to mycotoxin risk management, integrating advanced scientific formulations to protect animal health and ensure the safety of the food chain.

Poultry production is one of the most advanced agricultural industries, playing a key role in the global food supply. While the poultry industry works to meet the rising demand for high-quality protein, the availability and cost of feed ingredients remain significant challenges for the poultry sector. Poultry feed accounts for more than 70% of total production costs, making it the largest expense in poultry farming. Fluctuations in the prices of key ingredients like corn and soybean meal, driven by global markets and climate conditions, significantly impact feed costs. Moreover, dependency on corn and oil as major energy sources in poultry feed, along with competition for these commodities from biofuel and human food industries, further drives prices up the poultry feed cost.

• Rapid & fast growth -Where important amounts of ATP are absorbed for protein synthesis
• Excitement or stress – Not only for escape but also for macrophages to fight pathogens
• Low oxygen supply – Leading to low ATP production
• Disturbed energy metabolism -Impaired mitochondrial function (Oxidative stress)
• Low feed consumption especially in extreme summer

• GAA has been officially registered as an animal feed additive by the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) (2009; 2022) & the US-FDA (U. S. Food and Drug Administration)
• GAA supplements account for 40% less cost compared to creatine.
• GAA exerts many non-creatine roles, including the stimulation of insulin secretion, neuromodulation, and vasodilation.
• GAA has an arginine-sparing potential of up to 149% in broilers, thus arginine is more readily available for metabolic processes other than GAA production