Feed Prebiotics in Layers: How β-Glucans and Mannan Oligosaccharides Can Elevate Egg Quality

World Egg Day is a great moment to spotlight not just the egg itself, but the upstream factors that determine egg quality and hen health. One emerging area in poultry nutrition is the use of prebiotics — non-digestible feed components that beneficially modulate the gut microbiome and host physiology. Among these, β-glucans and mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) have drawn attention for their potential to impact immune status, gut integrity, and nutrient utilization — and, ultimately, egg quality traits.

Gut Health, Nutrition & Egg Quality Egg quality is multifactorial: shell strength and thickness, albumen height (Haugh units), yolk composition, shell cleanliness, internal defects, and shelf life. A healthy gut is central to nutrient absorption and immune balance. Thus, anything that supports gut integrity, beneficial microbiota, and efficient absorption can indirectly improve egg quality outcomes. With antibiotic restrictions increasing, alternatives like prebiotics, and probiotics are being explored.

β-glucans are polysaccharides (β-1,3 and β-1,6 linkages) from yeast and fungi that stimulate immunity, improve intestinal morphology, and enhance barrier function. MOS, derived from yeast cell walls, prevent pathogen adhesion, improve microbiota balance, and enhance mucin secretion. Combined, these two feed components can optimize gut health and nutrient absorption.

Evidence for Effects on Layer Performance & Egg Quality Studies have shown that MOS supplementation (0.1–0.5 g/kg) improved egg number, mass, and Haugh units in Mandarah hens (ResearchGate, 2024). β-Glucan supplementation (100–200 mg/kg) enhanced laying performance and stress tolerance in heat-stressed hens (ScienceDirect, 2023). Combined use of β-glucans and MOS also mitigated E. coli challenge and improved gut histology in broilers (BMC Vet Res, 2020).

Mechanistic Pathway: From Gut to Egg

1. MOS binds pathogens, lowering gut stress and promoting beneficial bacteria.

2. β-Glucans prime the immune system, improving barrier integrity and reducing inflammation.

3. Enhanced gut health leads to better nutrient absorption and resource allocation.

4. The result: thicker shells, stronger albumen, and higher Haugh units.

On World Egg Day, it’s time to look beyond the shell. Feed innovations such as β-glucans and MOS not only promote gut health but can lead to measurable improvements in egg quality. Stronger guts make stronger eggs — and smarter nutrition builds sustainable poultry production.

At Kshamatva Bioservices LLP, we believe that better eggs begin with better gut health. Our scientifically formulated prebiotics, including high-purity β-glucan and mannan oligosaccharides (MOS), are designed to strengthen immunity, optimize nutrient absorption, and support superior egg quality in layer flocks. Sourced from certified global suppliers and tested for consistency and bioactivity, our products help farms transition toward antibiotic-free, high-performance poultry production. With Kshamatva’s feed solutions, producers can count on healthier hens, stronger shells, and sustainable productivity — naturally.

References:

1. Ezzat, W. et al. (2024). β-Glucan supplementation improves egg production under heat stress in Matrouh laying hens. Poultry Science, Elsevier/ScienceDirect. Link

2. Ahmed, M. et al. (2024). Mannan Oligosaccharides as a Prebiotic for Laying Hens: Effects on Fertility, Hatchability, Productive Performance, and Immunity. ResearchGate Publication. Link

3. Fadl, S. E., El-Gammal, A. M., & El-Sabagh, M. (2020). Combined β-Glucan and MOS supplementation mitigates Escherichia coli challenge and enhances performance in broiler chickens. BMC Veterinary Research, 16, Article 327. Link

4. Frontiers in Veterinary Science (2022). Yeast-derived β-Glucans as immunomodulatory and gut-health-promoting agents in poultry: A comprehensive review. Link

5. Leigh, S. A. et al. (2024). Mannan-rich yeast fraction supplementation improves cecal microbiota diversity and reduces Campylobacter in laying hens. Animal Microbiome, 6, Article 45. Link

6. Abd El-Ghany, W. A. et al. (2023). Yeast derivatives as natural growth promoters in poultry production: Mechanisms and practical applications. MDPI – Agriculture, 15(9):1003. Link

7. Barbalho, R. et al. (2023). Combined effects of β-Glucan, MOS, essential oils, and probiotics on broiler performance and gut health. Poultry Science, Elsevier/ScienceDirect. Link

8. Cambridge University Press (2021). Immunomodulatory efficacy of yeast cell products in poultry: A current review. World’s Poultry Science Journal. Link