Abstract
The effects of an exogenous emulsifier, glyceryl polyethylene glycol ricinoleate, on performance and carcass traits of broiler chickens were assessed. The emulsifier was added to the diet at dose rates of 0 (control), 1 (E1) and 2 (E2) % of added fat (saturated palm oil). Live weight gain (P < .07) and feed conversion ratio (P < .05) in 39 days were higher in the E1 dietary group. Gain: ME intake and gain: protein intake during the grower phase improved quadratically (P < .05). Gross carcass traits were not affected. Body fat content and fat accretion increased (P < .05) and liver fat content decreased (P < .05) linearly with the level of emulsifier in diet. Fat excretion decreased (P < .001) leading to increased ileal fat digestibility (P < .06) in the E1 group (quadratic response). Metabolizable intake of N (P < .1) and fat (P < .05) increased quadratically due to supplementation of emulsifier in diet. Metabolism of trace elements and serum lipid profiles were not affected. The study revealed that supplementation of exogenous emulsifiers in diets containing moderate quantities of added vegetable fats may substantially improve broiler performance.
Highlights
Inefficient digestion and absorption of fat occurs in young chickens due to a low level of natural lipase production [1]
Each treatment group consisted of 9 replicates (n = 12 per replicate) and the replicates were placed in pens (1 m × 1.5 m) on litters composed of saw dust and rice husk
No mortality was recorded in the E2 dietary group during the grower phase
Summary
Inefficient digestion and absorption of fat occurs in young chickens due to a low level of natural lipase production [1]. A low rate of bile salt synthesis in young chicks further confounds the problem [4]. Dietary supplementation of bile salt reportedly improved fat utilization in chicks but the strategy may not be economically viable [1]. Cheaper emulsifying agents or detergents which transform a hydrophobic surface into a hydrophilic one have been used alternatively to increase fat digestibility in young chicks albeit with variable results [1]. Emulsifiers like soy lecithin promote incorporation of fatty acids into micelles and increase fat digestibility in chicks [5]. The exigency of using exogenous emulsifiers in broiler diets must be looked into because feeding of nutrient dense diets containing added fat is almost inevitable to exploit the full growth potential of the high yielding broiler strains
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
