The Apparent Metabolisable Energy Values of Palm Kernel Cake as Influenced by Enzymes and Cocktails

Abstract

This study was conducted to quantify the effects of enzymes and their cocktails on the apparent metabolisable energy (AME) value of palm kernel cake to maximise enzymes’ advantages. There were eight treatments, each with three replicates in a completely randomised design with T1 as control. The experimental treatments had Xylanase, Multipurpose and phytase enzymes respectively for T2, T3 and T4, and a cocktail of xylanase and multipurpose, a cocktail of xylanase and phytase, cocktail of multipurpose and phytase, and cocktail of xylanase, multipurpose and phytase for T5, T6, T7 and T8. The feeding trial was done using the intubation method. Gross energy values were determined with calorimeter while calculated AME values were subjected to analysis of variance using Statistical Analysis System and treatment means separated by Duncan Multiple Range Test. Results show that individual enzymes, apart from phytase, significantly (p>0.05) improved the AME value of palm kernel cake. Treatment T8 was significantly (p>0.05) better than the other treatments. Each cocktail was significantly better than its respective individual enzymes except cocktail of multipurpose enzyme and phytase that was not significantly different from multipurpose enzyme but significantly (p>0.05) better than phytase. It was concluded that enzymes and cocktail of enzymes could be used to enhance the energy content of nonconventional feedstuffs thereby serving as a replacement to conventional energy feedstuffs.