Abstract
This study was conducted in order to evaluate the association of phytase with an enzymatic complex comprised of carbohydrases (α-galactosidase, galactomannan, xylanase and β-glucanase) in nutrition reduction diets for semi-heavy laying hens and its effect on egg performance and egg quality. Four hundred Isa Brown laying hens with 42 to 57 weeks of age were distributed in an entirely random experiment with five treatments and 8 repetitions, during five production periods of 21 days. Variables studied: egg production, feed intake, mean egg weight, feed conversion, Haugh unit, percentage of yolk, egg white and albumen, yolk color, eggshell thickness and specific gravity. There was a significant interaction (p < 0.05) between treatments and experimental periods for feed intake. There were no significant effects (p > 0.05) of treatment on production, egg weight or internal and external egg quality. Treatment effects on feed conversion showed better values for hens fed with the control diet. The levels of nutrient reduction used in the diets with or without enzyme supplementation did not provide good results with regard to feed conversion and feed intake. However, they did not affect the other parameters for egg production and internal and external egg quality.
Highlights
In the field of nutrition, a great deal of research is being conducted in the search for alternatives to enable the formulation of more efficient and economical feeds, enabling better use of nutrients of the ingredients as well as lower feed cost (STRADA et al, 2005).Diets of laying hens and broilers are mainly based on corn and soybean meal
Specific enzymes such as carbohydrases enable the use of fibrous ingredients with higher content of soluble non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs), providing better use of energy (MATHLOUTHI et al, 2002)
The study by Silva et al (2012) on Isa Brown hens observed no effect of feed energy reduction and levels of digestible amino acids in feeds supplemented with carbohydrases and phytase on the feed intake of hens
Summary
In the field of nutrition, a great deal of research is being conducted in the search for alternatives to enable the formulation of more efficient and economical feeds, enabling better use of nutrients of the ingredients as well as lower feed cost (STRADA et al, 2005).Diets of laying hens and broilers are mainly based on corn and soybean meal. Several authors have been studying enzyme supplementation with carbohydrases and phytases in diets whose nutrient levels are below energy intake requirements, as recommended by poultry farming guidelines for chicken 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
