Effects of Xylanase Supplementation on the Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, and Digestive Organ Profiles of Broiler Chickens: A Meta-analysis

Abstract

Enzymes supplementation in broiler feeding is commonly applied to optimize animal feed utilization and reduce feed production costs. One of the enzymes widely used in the broiler industry is xylanase which breaks down complex fibrous compounds in feed, such as nonstarch polysaccharides, to simpler utilizable sugar molecules. However, the effects of xylanase enzymes on broiler growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and organ function in broiler chickens were variable and inconclusive. Therefore, the current study aimed to evaluate the effect of the xylanase enzyme in feed on the performance, nutrient digestibility, and digestive function of parrots using a meta-analysis approach. A dataset of 140 points obtained from 53 articles was analyzed using a mixed model methodology. The results showed that the xylanase enzyme supplementation increased the broiler’s body weight gain and decreased feed consumption and feed conversion ratio. In addition, xylanase supplementation also increased nutrient digestibility, such as dry matter, crude protein, starch, gross energy, fat, phosphorus, and calcium. Concerning broiler organ weights, the xylanase supplementation in broiler feed significantly reduced the weight of the duodenum, small intestine, and relative length of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Xylanase supplementation also tended to reduce the relative weight of the proventriculus. The results also showed a negative response to the crypt depth ileum of broiler due to xylanase supplementation. It can be concluded that xylanase supplementation improves the performance, nutrient digestibility, and digestive function of broiler chickens.