Wheat Bran-Derived Xylo- and Maltooligosaccharides as Potential Synergistic Prebiotics for Animal Nutrition

Abstract

Background and objective. Xylooligosaccharides (XOS) and maltooligosaccharides are promising prebiotic candidates for functional feed additives in animal nutrition. Wheat bran, containing arabinoxylan-rich hemicellulose and residual starch, is a potential source of both oligosaccharide fractions. This review analyzes their structural-functional properties, possible prebiotic synergy, and prospects for use in animal feeding.

Materials and Methods. Wheat bran was considered a plant-derived biomatrix containing arabinoxylans as a source of XOS and residual starch as a potential source of maltooligosaccharides. This review analyzed English-language peer-reviewed publications from 2004–2025 on wheat bran composition, XOS and maltooligosaccharide structure, digestive stability, gut microbiota modulation, short-chain fatty acid production, and use in animal nutrition. Searches were conducted in Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar using keywords including wheat bran, xylooligosaccharides, maltooligosaccharides, prebiotic properties, animal nutrition, gut microbiota, fermentation kinetics, and short-chain fatty acids.

Results. The reviewed data indicate that wheat bran is a promising substrate for obtaining two functional oligosaccharide groups: XOS from the arabinoxylan fraction and maltooligosaccharides from residual starch. XOS are resistant to digestive enzymes and can reach the lower intestine, where they serve as substrates for saccharolytic bacteria, whereas maltooligosaccharides may be fermented more rapidly if partially preserved after digestion. Both fractions may modulate animal gut microbiota, stimulate beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, and promote short-chain fatty acid production. The strongest animal evidence is currently available for XOS, especially in poultry, while maltooligosaccharides remain less studied and require further validation. Their combined use is of interest because differences in structure, digestive stability, and fermentation rate may provide complementary prebiotic effects.

Conclusion. Wheat bran is a promising source of XOS- and maltooligosaccharide-containing fractions for functional feed additives. Their combination may support animal gut microbiota, enhance short-chain fatty acid production, strengthen intestinal barrier function, and improve feeding efficiency. Further studies should focus on standardizing fraction composition, optimizing production conditions, and validating XOS-maltooligosaccharide efficacy in in vitro, in vivo, and productive animal trials.