Optimization of broiler growth and organ traits: Insights from a meta-analysis of feed form effects https://doi.org/10.12982/VIS.2026.067
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Abstract
Feed form is an essential factor influencing nutrient use, feeding behavior, and overall efficiency in broilers. Since feed represents the largest portion of production costs, there is a need to select the appropriate feed to improve performance and profitability. Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to examine the effects of feed form on broiler performance, carcass traits, and organ development using 283 data points from 46 published studies. Data reliability was assessed using a fail-safe number (Nfs), which showed robust parameters for daily feed intake (Nfs > 620) and daily weight gain (Nfs > 1000), while mortality and organ weight had low values. The results showed that feed form significantly improved (P < 0.05) broiler performance, particularly conversion ratio and final body weight. However, high heterogeneity (I² > 80%) showed that differences in diet composition, management, and environmental conditions strongly influenced the outcomes. Carcass traits significantly improved (P < 0.05), with increased weight observed in the total carcass, breast, thigh, and wing. Abdominal fat deposition showed a relatively smaller but significant (p<0.05) reduction. The effect on organ development was variable, with gizzard and pancreas weights decreasing significantly (P < 0.05), indicating low mechanical and enzymatic demands of processed feeds, while liver weight was unaffected. Intestinal morphology showed mixed outcomes, with significant (P < 0.05) reductions in duodenum length and non-significant trends for jejunum and ileum lengths. This indicated that feed form substantially enhanced broiler productivity, carcass quality, and feed efficiency. However, variability across studies showed the need to consider management and environmental factors, indicating the need for future investigation to identify sources of heterogeneity.
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