Rising prices of major feed ingredients such as corn and soybean meals have increased the need for affordable and sustainable feeding strategies in poultry production. Dietary fat is a concentrated energy source and can improve feed quality, yet young chickens often cannot digest them efficiently due to their immature digestive systems. This study investigated whether supplementing broiler diets with a combination of lysophospholipids, synthetic emulsifier, and monoglycerides could improve nutrient utilization in diets reduced in energy and essential amino acids, including lysine, methionine, and threonine. Previous studies on emulsifier use have reported inconsistent results, and limited information is available under diets that are simultaneously restricted in both energy and amino acids. In this study, birds receiving the supplemented nutrient-restricted diet achieved growth performance and feed efficiency comparable to those fed a nutritionally adequate diet, despite receiving less dietary energy and amino acids. The supplement increased crude protein and crude fat digestibility and supported improved intestinal structure, which may contribute to better nutrient use. These findings suggest that emulsifier-based supplementation may help maintain productivity under nutrient-restricted feeding conditions.

Read the full article in the Journal of Animal Science.