Microbial fermented agricultural waste-based broiler feed: a sustainable alternative to conventional feed

The rising costs and limited availability of conventional chicken feed ingredients have prompted researchers to seek alternatives. Agricultural waste products are a promising option but are often unsuitable due to their high crude fibre content. Fermentation, a dynamic process, involving bacteria, fungi, and other microbes, breaks down complex materials into simpler, more digestible compounds and enriches waste with probiotics, enzymes, and bioactive compounds. This process not only enhances the nutritional value of waste materials but also improves broiler performance, including growth rate, feed conversion efficiency, and overall gut health, by promoting beneficial microbiota and nutrient absorption. In recent years, fermentation of agricultural waste has gained attention as a means of recycling waste into a valuable resource, offering a cost-effective and sustainable solution for the poultry industry. This review article evaluates the potential of microbial fermented agricultural waste as an alternative to conventional chicken feed, emphasising its role in enhancing broiler productivity and gut health based on insights from recent scientific studies.