Replacing 0.2% of soybean meal with soybean bioactive peptides improved intestinal health and metabolic function in broiler chickens through gut microbiome and metabolome changes.
320 broilers, 0.2% SBPA small amount of soybean bioactive peptide replacing soybean meal improved gut health and metabolism in broiler chickens
What the researchers found
Supplementing 0.2% soybean bioactive peptide in broiler feed improved intestinal health and metabolic function, revealed through multi-omics analysis of gut microbiome and metabolome.
Why it matters
Finding natural feed supplements that improve poultry health reduces the need for antibiotics in animal agriculture, addressing a major driver of antimicrobial resistance.
The numbers in context
320 broilers, 2 groups, 10 replicates of 16 birds. 0.2% SBP replaced soybean meal. 70-day experiment. Higher final weight and daily gain (P < 0.05). Lower feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05). Reduced IL-1β and IFN-γ. Increased ZO-1.
How the study worked
Randomized controlled study of 320 yellow-feathered broilers (2 groups, 10 replicates, 16 birds each) comparing basal diet versus 0.2% SBP supplementation with multi-omics gut analysis.
Who was studied
Yellow-feathered broiler chickens
What this study cannot tell us
Single poultry breed (yellow-feathered broilers). Results may not generalize to other breeds or species. Cost-effectiveness of SBP supplementation not assessed.
How to read the evidence
Well-designed randomized animal study with adequate replication. Strong for poultry applications but does not directly translate to human health.
When this study was published
Published in 2025, contributing to the evidence base for bioactive peptide supplements in animal nutrition.
The bigger picture
Bioactive peptides from plant sources could replace antibiotics as growth promoters in livestock, supporting the global effort to reduce antibiotic use in agriculture.
Questions still open
- What is the cost-benefit ratio of SBP supplementation versus conventional antibiotic growth promoters?
- Would higher SBP concentrations provide additional benefits?
Common questions
What are soybean bioactive peptides?
Why does poultry gut health matter?
Read the original research
Soybean bioactive peptide supplementation improves gut health and metabolism in broiler chickens.
Poultry science, 104(2), 104727
Citation
Peng, Han; Song, Xiaoyan; Chen, Jialei; Xiong, Xia; Yang, Li; Yu, Chunlin; Qiu, Mohan; Zhang, Zengrong; Hu, Chenming; Zhu, Shiliang; Xia, Bo; Wang, Jiangxian; Xiong, Zhuxiang; Du, Longhuan; Yang, Chaowu. (2025). Soybean bioactive peptide supplementation improves gut health and metabolism in broiler chickens.. Poultry science, 104(2), 104727. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2024.104727