Effect of different sources of insoluble fiber on performance and cecal microbial population of broiler chickens

The effect of different sources of insoluble fiber on performance, gastrointestinal tract (GIT) traits and cecal microbial population was studied with 320 day-old chickens, Ross 308 broilers from 1 to 24 days of age in a completely randomized design by 4 treatments, 4 replicates, and 20 chickens in each replication. Experimental treatments including: control (corn-soybean meal)which was diluted by 3% of treated wheat straw, sunflower and soy hulls. Feed intake was not affected by treatments from 1 to 24 days of age. Body weight gain increasedin treated wheat straw group relative to soy hull group. In addition, feed conversion was improved in broiler fedding by treated wheat straw compared to sunflower and soy hulls (P