What is the impact of dietary fiber level on the gut transit time and egg weight of brown layers?

Dietary fiber is no longer considered a simple diluent in poultry nutrition. For commercial brown layers, structural fiber (insoluble fiber like lignified hulls) stimulates gizzard development and acid secretion. A larger, active gizzard slows down gut transit time, allowing the feed to mix thoroughly with digestive enzymes and organic acids. This slow transit dramatically improves the digestibility of proteins and the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the small intestine. Improved absorption directly supports maximum albumen weight and thick shells. However, excessive fiber (above 5.5%) dilutes feed energy density, forcing birds to eat more and worsening FCR. Farmers can consult nutritional formulation tables in the Poultry Encyclopedia, compare feed raw materials like wheat bran and sunflower meal on Poultry Rates, buy feed additives on Poultry Plaza, and trade premium brown eggs on Murghi Mandi.