The effects of complex polysaccharides on growth, digestibility and blood parameters in pair-fed chicks

Abstract

A pair-feeding study was conducted on chicks to evaluate the growth-depressing and hypocholesterolemic effects of guar gum and pectin compared to other sources of dietary fiber. Fibers were fed so that the diet contained 2% hemicellulose or related complex carbohydrate from wheat bran, corn bran, a wood hemicellulose product, guar gum or pectin. A diet containing 10% wheat bran was also fed. Despite pair feeding, final body weights of guar gum-fed chicks were lower than that of all other groups at four weeks. Pectin-fed chicks, though heavier than those fed guar gum, weighed less than those fed the control, wood hemicellulose or wheat bran at either level. Digestibility of the diets appeared to influence growth rates. Metabolizable energy and feed efficiency in guar gum and pectin-fed chicks were also lower, and excreta weight was greater than in chicks fed other sources of fiber. Although not correlated to body weight, total serum cholesterol levels in chicks fed guar gum were lower than those of all other groups. Post-prandial glucose levels in whole blood were highest in chicks fed wood hemicellulose and lowest in those fed guar gum, corn bran or 10% wheat bran.