Unlocking Poultry Health: The Role of Mannan-Oligosaccharides (MOS) in Feed

As the poultry industry transitions toward antibiotic-free production, the need for safe, effective feed additives has intensified. One such additive, Mannan-Oligosaccharide (MOS)—a functional carbohydrate derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast)—has emerged as a powerful ally. Backed by extensive research, MOS supplementation enhances poultry performance, immunity, gut health, and sustainability metrics.

The structure of Mannan-Oligosaccharides (MOS)

What are Mannan Oligosaccharides?

MOS is a non-digestible oligosaccharide primarily sourced from the outer cell walls of yeast. It functions as a prebiotic, encouraging the proliferation of beneficial gut bacteria (e.g., Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium) and binding pathogenic organisms like Salmonella and E. coli—preventing their colonization in the intestinal tract [18].

Benefits of Mannan Oligosaccharides in Poultry Feed

1. Improved Growth and Feed Conversion

In broiler chickens, MOS has been shown to:

• Improve body weight gain

• Enhance feed conversion ratios (FCR)

• Increase villus height, aiding better nutrient absorption

For example, combining MOS with β-glucan significantly improved weight gain and intestinal villus height [13][16]. In Partridge Shank chickens, MOS reduced feed intake while boosting intestinal health and overall growth performance [15][19].

2. Stronger Gut Integrity and Resistance to Pathogens

MOS enhances gut morphology by:

• Increasing goblet cell density

• Strengthening mucosal barriers

• Reducing epithelial damage from Salmonella and Campylobacter exposure

A study on turkey poults showed that MOS supplementation helped preserve intestinal villi and goblet cells even after bacterial challenges [14].

3. Boosted Immunity

MOS strengthens both innate and adaptive immunity:

• Increased serum IgA, IgM, IgY levels

• Enhanced antibody titers against Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease

• Modulation of gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT)

In laying hens, dietary MOS at 0.1–0.5 g/kg significantly increased immunoglobulin concentrations without adversely affecting hematological parameters [17]. Similar immune-boosting effects were observed in Partridge Shank chickens [19].

Powdered form of Mannan Oligosaccharides (MOS)

4. Reduced Oxidative Stress

MOS exhibits antioxidant activity by:

• Reducing lipid peroxidation (lower malondialdehyde or MDA levels)

• Increasing total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in serum and tissues

Research has demonstrated that enzymatically derived MOS reduced MDA levels in broiler meat and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity [15][19].

5. Enhanced Egg Production and Sustainability

In layers, a meta-analysis found that MOS supplementation:

• Increased hen-day production (HDP) by 1.76%

• Reduced FCR by 26.6 g feed/kg egg

• Reduced mortality and carbon footprint by ~1.5%

Notably, egg mass increased by nearly 1 g/day/hen, and egg shell thickness improved slightly—contributing to better egg quality and production efficiency [12].

MOS: A Sustainable Path Forward

As concerns about climate change and animal welfare grow, Mannan-Oligosaccharides (MOS) also contribute meaningfully to sustainability goals in poultry farming:

• Reduced Carbon Footprint: Feed production contributes up to 80% of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in egg production. By improving feed efficiency and reducing mortality, MOS helps lower the carbon footprint per unit of egg or meat produced [12].

• Antibiotic-Free Production: MOS serves as a viable alternative to in-feed antibiotics, helping to combat antimicrobial resistance while maintaining productivity and health [18].

• Resilient Flocks: Birds supplemented with MOS show better resilience under stress (e.g., heat, mycotoxins, pathogens), making them more adaptable to varying farm conditions [14][17].

These attributes make MOS a compelling solution for farms aiming to be both profitable and environmentally conscious.

Conclusion: MOS as a Natural Growth Promoter

With increasing pressure to move away from antibiotics, MOS offers a scientifically validated alternative. From improving growth and immunity to enhancing environmental sustainability, MOS stands out as one of the most promising functional feed additives for modern poultry farming.

Partnering for Quality: Kshamatva Bioservices LLP

For poultry producers looking to incorporate high-quality Mannan-Oligosaccharides (MOS) into their feed formulations, Kshamatva Bioservices LLP offers a dependable source.

We supply both water-soluble and plain MOS products tailored to meet the varied requirements of poultry nutrition. Our MOS is manufactured in state-of-the-art facilities that are certified by HACCP, WHO GMP, and ISO standards, ensuring stringent quality control and global safety compliance.

By choosing Kshamatva, you ensure that your flocks benefit from:

• Consistent product quality

• Verified bioactivity

• Ease of formulation (thanks to our water-soluble options)

• Backed by scientific research and technical support

Whether you're aiming for better gut health, improved immunity, or more sustainable production, Kshamatva Bioservices is your trusted partner in next-generation poultry nutrition.

References

1. Salami S. A. et al. (2022). Meta-analysis on dietary MOS and egg production performance. Poultry Science, 101:101745. [12]

2. Teng P. Y. et al. (2021). Effects of MOS and β-glucan on growth and gut health in broilers. Poultry Science, 100:101483. [13][16]

3. Zhou M. et al. (2021). MOS improves gut integrity and antioxidant status in Partridge Shank chickens. J. Poult. Sci., 58:147–153. [15]

4. Zhou M. et al. (2019). Enzymatic MOS supplementation improves immune function. Animals, 9(10):817. [19]

5. Rahimi S. et al. (2020). MOS preserves intestinal mucosa in turkey poults under pathogen challenge. Poultry Science, 99:1135–1149. [14]

6. Youssef I. M. et al. (2023). MOS enhances immunity and histological health in layers. Poultry Science, 102:103071. [17]

7. Saeed M. et al. (2017). Review on MOS as a feed additive in poultry. J. World Poult. Res., 7(3): 94–103. [18]