To examine the effects of dietary fibers on gastrointestinal physiology, rats were fed with diets containing 10% sodium alginate,10% cellulose, or fiber-free diets for 5 weeks. The results obtained were as follows: The chronic consumption of sodium alginate induced a significant decrease in body weight gain and feeding efficiency, but a significant increase in length and weight of small intestine. Fecal bulk and weight were higher in fiber-fed group than fiber-free group. The chronic consumption of dietary fiber induced a significant increase in fecal output, resulting in tile decrease of apparent digestibility of protein and lipid. Pancreatic protease activity was lower in fiber-fed group than fiber-free group, whereas pancreatic amylase and lipase activities were not affected. Scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and light microscopy(LM) studies showed small intestine microvilli with numerous ridges and convolutions and goblet cells in fiber-fed groups. As a result of this study, it is concluded that the chronic consumption of dietary fiber decreases apparent digestibility of nutrients and induces morphological and biochemical adaptation of digestive organs.