What are prebiotics?

Prebiotics aren't broken down or absorbed by the chicken's digestive tract. However, they stimulate the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria in the colon, which assist with fermentation in the gut, and balance acidity levels in the digestive tract.

They also help birds resist ill health by creating compounds that stop harmful bacteria from sticking to the intestinal walls.

Common prebiotics include barley, flaxseed, garlic, honey, and kelp. Yeast culture is technically not a prebiotic but works in a similar way, assisting with nutrient absorption, growth, and a healthy immune system.

'Synbiotics' are a combination of probiotics and prebiotics.