Background: Poultry production continues to expand globally as demand for animal protein increases. At the same time, the sector is under pressure to reduce its environmental impact, particularly in relation to nutrient losses, ammonia emissions, greenhouse gases, and concerns around antimicrobial use. In this context, nutritional biochemistry offers practical ways of improving how birds utilise feed, maintain gut health, and minimise waste.
Objective: This review brings together recent studies on nutritional strategies that can improve feed efficiency and support more sustainable poultry production. It focuses on approaches such as enzyme supplementation, balanced amino acid formulation, phytogenic additives, microbiome-based interventions, organic acids, lipid management, and feed processing methods.
Methods: A narrative review approach was adopted. Relevant peer-reviewed articles, books, and institutional reports were examined, with attention given to studies that explain biochemical processes and their practical effects on poultry performance and environmental outcomes. Only materials directly related to feed efficiency, gut health, and sustainability were included.
Key findings: The evidence shows that enzyme supplementation, particularly phytase and enzymes that break down complex carbohydrates, can improve nutrient digestion and help reduce phosphorus and nitrogen losses. Diets with lower crude protein, when properly balanced with digestible amino acids, can maintain performance while reducing nitrogen excretion. In addition, phytogenic additives, probiotics, prebiotics, and organic acids contribute to better gut health, improved nutrient absorption, and a more stable microbial environment, which may lessen the need for antimicrobial inputs. Managing lipid quality and improving feed processing methods also support better energy use and reduce feed wastage.
Conclusion: Nutritional biochemistry provides useful tools for improving both the efficiency and sustainability of poultry production, especially when different strategies are applied together within a well-planned feeding programme. However, there is still a need for more studies that reflect local production conditions, particularly in African and Nigerian settings, to better understand their cost-effectiveness and long-term practicality.
