Research progress and applications of inulin in poultry production

Inulin, a fructan-type prebiotic, resists digestion in the upper gastrointestinal tract and undergoes selective fermentation by beneficial intestinal microorganisms, which underpins its widespread use in poultry nutrition. Inulin has gained increasing recognition as a functional feed additive in poultry production in recent years. This review synthesizes available knowledge on the physicochemical properties of inulin and its impacts on intestinal morphology, gut microbiota, immune function, antioxidant capacity, and lipid metabolism in poultry. Findings from broilers, laying hens, ducks, quails, and turkeys indicate that inulin can modulate intestinal health and selected physiological responses, although effects on growth and production performance remain inconsistent. Variations among studies appear to be associated with differences in poultry species, physiological stage, dietary inclusion level, and inulin characteristics. Collectively, the available evidence supports the potential use of inulin as a functional feed ingredient in poultry nutrition, although its efficacy is context-dependent and practical supplementation strategies require further validation.