Effects of Phytase and Tannase Enzyme Supplementation on in Vitro Nutrient Digestibility and Tannin Degradation of Sorghum-Based Broiler Diets

Abstract

An in vitro study was conducted to assess the effects of phytase and tannase enzyme supplementation on nutrient digestibility and tannin degradability in sorghum-based broiler diets. A two-stage in vitro experiment involving simulation of gastric and ileal digestion in vivo was used. Data were analysed using Statistical Analysis System (SAS, 2011). The data were analysed for descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were performed to check for possible associations among variables. Analysis of variance were performed to determine the effects of sorghum inclusion level as well as the effects of exogenous phytase and tannase supplementation on nutrients digestibility and tannin degradability using the GLM procedure. All tests were done at p<0.05 level of significance. The results of this study indicated that phytase and tannase supplementation significantly influenced calcium, phosphorus, fat and crude protein digestibility (p< 0.01). Sorghum inclusion level had no significant effect on calcium, phosphorus, fat and crude protein digestibility. Sorghum inclusion level significantly influenced tannin degradability (p<0.01). Chi-square test showed that there was an association between sorghum inclusion level and tannin hence increasing sorghum level increased tannin degradability. Both enzyme supplementation and sorghum inclusion level had significant effect on crude fibre and tannin degradability.