Intestinal Viscosity Research Articles

Effects of high dietary inclusion of Arthrospira platensis, either extruded or supplemented with a super-dosing multi-enzyme mixture, on broiler growth performance and major meat quality parameters

BackgroundThis investigation assessed the effects of high dietary inclusion of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) on broiler chicken growth performance, meat quality and nutritional attributes. For this, 120 male broiler chicks were housed in 40 battery brooders (three birds per brooder). Initially, for 14 days, a standard corn and soybean meal diet was administered. Subsequently, from days 14 to 35, chicks were assigned to one of the four dietary treatments (n = 10 per treatment): (1) control diet (CTR); (2) diet with 15% Spirulina (SP); (3) diet with 15% extruded Spirulina (SPE); and (4) diet with 15% Spirulina plus a super-dosing enzymes supplement (0.20% pancreatin extract and 0.01% lysozyme) (SPM).ResultsThroughout the experimental period, both SP and SPM diets resulted in decreased final body weight and body weight gain compared to control (p < 0.001), with the SPE diet showing comparable results to CTR. The SPE diet prompted an increase in average daily feed intake (p = 0.026). However, all microalga treatments increased the feed conversion ratio compared to CTR. Dietary inclusion of Spirulina notably increased intestinal content viscosity (p < 0.010), which was mitigated by the SPM diet. Spirulina supplementation led to lower pH levels in breast meat 24 h post-mortem and heightened the b* colour value in both breast and thigh meats (p < 0.010). Furthermore, Spirulina contributed to an increased accumulation of total carotenoids, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and saturated fatty acids (SFA), while diminishing n-6 PUFA, thus altering the n-6/n-3 and PUFA/SFA ratios favourably (p < 0.001). However, it also reduced zinc concentration in breast meat (p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe findings indicate that high Spirulina levels in broiler diets impair growth due to increased intestinal viscosity, and that extrusion pre-treatment mitigates this effect. Despite reducing digesta viscosity, a super-dosing enzyme mix did not improve growth. Data also indicates that Spirulina enriches meat with antioxidants and n-3 PUFA but reduces α-tocopherol and increases saturated fats. Reduced zinc content in meat suggests the need for Spirulina biofortification to maintain its nutritional value.

Feeding dietary non-starch polysaccharides supplemented with xylanase could improve the performance of broilers.

The impact of dietary non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) on performance and carcass traits of broilers fed wheat-bran substituted into corn-soybean meal-based diets supplemented with xylanase was investigated. A total of 280 (7-day-old) Ross 308 broilers were randomly allotted to one of five dietary treatments with 8 replicates, 7 chicks per pen. Treatments were; i) CON: Control diet, ii) CON-X (CON + 3,000 U/kg xylanase), iii) L-X: low NSP (2% wheat bran in CON + 3,000 U/kg xylanase), iv) M-X: medium NSP (4% wheat bran in CON + 3,000 U/kg xylanase), v) H-X: higher NSP (8% wheat bran in CON+ 3,000 U/kg xylanase). Birds fed the H-X diet increased (p < 0.05) daily gains, and average daily feed intake and had marginally improved body weights (p = 0.074) on day 35. Relatively, the H-X diet tended to increase the average daily gains (p = 0.053; p = 0.073) of birds during the grower phase (d 24-35) and the entire experimental period (d 8-35), respectively. Moreover, there were no significant differences among treatments in the feed conversion ratio of birds throughout the entire experiment period. Birds fed diets CON-X, L-X, and M-X had improved (p < 0.05) the ileal digestibility of energy on d 24 and 35 compared to those fed the H-X diet. Furthermore, birds fed diet CON-X improved (p < 0.05) N digestibility on d 24. Improved carcass moisture content and lowered crude fat of leg meat (p < 0.05) were noted in birds fed the diet M-X and H-X on d 35, respectively. The intestinal viscosity was reduced (p < 0.05) in xylanase-supplemented treatments CON-X, L-X, M-X, and H-X diets when compared to CON. Our results suggest that supplementing 3,000 U/kg xylanase in a higher NSP (8% wheat bran substituted level) diet could improve the intestinal viscosity and growth performance of broilers.

Effect of microbial muramidase supplementation in diets formulated with different fiber profiles for broiler chickens raised under various coccidiosis management programs

The objective of the present study was to determine the effects of muramidase (MUR) supplemented to diets formulated with different fiber sources (inert or fermentable) on the growth performance and intestinal parameters of broiler chickens raised under different coccidiosis management programs. A total of 2,208 male Ross 308 broilers were housed in 96 floor pens and distributed into a 2×3×2 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized block design with 2 sources of fiber (inert or fermentable fiber), 3 coccidiosis management programs (none, vaccine, or Salinomycin), and with or without supplementation of MUR at 35,000 LSU(F)/kg of diet. Body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were calculated for each feeding phase (d 0-14, d 14-28, d 28-36) and from d 0 to 36. On d 17 and d 31, samples were taken to analyze several parameters. The experimental data were analyzed with 3-way ANOVA considering the main effect of fiber source, coccidiosis program, inclusion of MUR, and their interactions using JMP 16.2. 16S rDNA sequencing of the ileal and cecal content was carried out to analyze the diversity, composition, and predictive function of the microbiota. From d 0 to 36, BWG increased (P=0.05) by 2.5% in birds supplemented with Salinomycin (P=0.04), and by 2.2% with MUR supplementation (P=0.02). Salinomycin and MUR improved FCR (P < 0.0001) when compared to nonsupplemented birds. The supplementation of MUR, regardless of the coccidiosis management program, reduced the intestinal viscosity (P=0.03). On d 31, the highest blood concentration of carotenoids was observed in chickens fed diets supplemented with Salinomycin. MUR led to significant changes in the diversity, composition, and predictive function of the ileal microbiota, mainly on d 31. The results observed herein further explain the positive effects of MUR on the growth performance of broiler chickens.

The Differences in Intestinal Viscosity Produced by Barley and β-Glucanase Alter Digesta Enzyme Activities and Ileal Nutrient Digestibilities More in Broiler Chicks than in Cocks

The objectives of this study were to determine whether intestinal viscosity caused by mixed linked barley β-glucan depresses ileal nutrient digestibility and digestive enzyme activities and to determine the interaction of intestinal viscosity, digestive enzyme activities and ileal nutrient digestibility in different ages of poultry. In Experiments 1 and 2, 1-d-old broiler chicks and 1-y-old cocks, respectively, were fed diets with 60% corn, low and high viscosity barley with or without β-glucanase, for 3 wk. A 3 × 2 factorial design was used. Comparisons were made only within the same age group. In Experiment 3, 1-d-old broiler chicks were fed high viscosity barley with and without β-glucanase to measure fecal nutrient and ileal and fecal amino acid digestibility. Broiler chicks fed barley ate less and gained less weight than those fed corn; added β-glucanase resulted in increases in both food consumption and weight gain for the barley-fed chicks (P < 0.05). Relative pancreas weight was higher (P < 0.05) in chicks fed barley than in those fed corn, and lower with β-glucanase (P < 0.05). Digesta from barley-fed birds had the highest viscosities, which were decreased (P < 0.05) by β-glucanase. Amylase and lipase were lower in broiler chicks fed high viscosity barley compared with corn (P < 0.05), and β-glucanase increased both activities and that of trypsin as well (P < 0.05). In barley-fed broiler chicks, ileal starch, protein and fat digestibility, as well as fecal fat, protein and amino acid digestibility were lower (P < 0.05), but increased with β-glucanase (P < 0.05). Although barley increased intestinal viscosity and β-glucanase lowered it in poultry of both ages, barley-fed broiler chicks had decreased digestive enzyme activities and ileal nutrient digestibility that were increased with β-glucanase, indicating that viscosity is more limiting in broiler chicks than in cocks.

Effects of Using Inulin and Grape Pomace in Broiler Diets on Performance, Carcass Yield, Intestinal Viscosity, Immunity, and Antioxidant Status

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of inulin and grape pomace addition to broiler diets on performance, carcass yield, intestinal viscosity, immunity, and antioxidant status. In the study, a total of 160 unsexed 0-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were divided into 4 groups as follows: the control (CON) group, and the groups consuming diets with 10 g/kg inulin (IN), 50 g/kg grape pomace (GP), and 10 g/kg inulin + 50 g/kg grape pomace (INGP) respectively. At the end of the experiment which lasted 42 days, 48 animals were bled for the analysis of immunity and antioxidant parameters. At the end of the study period, while body weight gain, carcass yield and intestinal viscosity values between the groups was not significant, grape pomace had a negative effect on feed consumption and feed conversion ratios (P&lt;0.05). Immunoglobuline (Ig) G levels of the animals in the INGP group were significantly lower than those - in the other groups (P&lt;0.05). The Catalase (CAT) activity was increased in groups consumed diets containing grape pomace (P&lt;0.05). While β carotene level was elevated by inulin in the blood of animals, vitamin C and E levels were elevated by inulin and grape pomace significantly (P&lt;0.05). As a result, it was observed that the use of inulin and grape pomace in broiler diets had no negative effect on carcass yield, intestinal viscosity, and antioxidant status. However, the inulin and grape pomace combination on feed cosumption, feed efficiency and immunity had a negative effect.

Improved sperm DNA integrity and altered fat metabolism and intestinal morphology in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) males fed rations with purified nucleotide

In this study, we assessed the health, growth, sperm characteristics, and intestinal, liver, and testicular morphology of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) males fed rations containing purified nucleotides (NT). A total of 420 females (286 ± 7.15 g) and 140 males (536 ± 13.4 g) were used. Fish were fed on extruded ration (280 g digestible protein kg−1; 11.72 M joule (MJ) of digestible energy kg−1) containing 0.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0 g NT kg−1 for 150 days. After mating in hapas, sperm, blood, and tissue samples were collected for spermatic, hematological, biochemical, morphological, and centesimal composition analyses. Males fed on rations containing NT released sperm with a higher (p < 0.05) amount of spermatozoa with undamaged nuclear chromatin and a higher gonadosomatic index (p < 0.05). Growth was not affected (p > 0.05); however, males fed with 7.5 g NT kg−1 presented the smallest (p < 0.05) hepatosomatic index, whereas those fed with any of nucleotide levels had a reduced (p < 0.05) viscerosomatic index. Males fed NT had reduced (p < 0.05) hepatic fat content, and those fed 2.5 and 5.0 g NT kg−1 presented with the lowest (p < 0.05) liver fat content. Visceral fat content was not affected by the ration (p < 0.06). The biochemical composition of the muscle and testis was not affected (p > 0.05) by the ration. Plasma triglyceride levels were reduced (p < 0.05) in males fed the NT diet. Males fed 10 g NT kg−1 had the highest (p < 0.05) plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, while those fed 5.0 g NT kg−1 presented the highest (p < 0.05) plasma glucose levels. Hematological parameters were not affected (p > 0.05) by the ration. Males fed 5.0 g NT kg−1 presented the highest (p < 0.05) intestinal viscosity, whereas those fed 2.5 and 5.0 g NT kg−1 had the highest (p < 0.05) enterocytes. The other morphological and morphometric parameters of the intestine, liver, and testis were not affected (p < 0.05) by the ration. The feeding of Nile tilapia breeders with rations of at least 2.5 g NT kg−1 boosted reproductive parameters and provided positive regulation of fish metabolism, resulting in better gonadal and spermatic status as well as a better hepatic and intestinal conditions.

Effect on Broiler Production Performance and Meat Quality of Feeding Ulva lactuca Supplemented with Carbohydrases.

Simple SummaryMacroalgae have been increasingly exploited worldwide for feed, food and biofuel applications, due to their nutritive and bioactive compounds. Green seaweeds belonging to the genus Ulva have high growth rates, which makes them suitable for being cultured in sustainable algae production, such as an integrated multi-trophic aquaculture system. This is expected to increase the use of Ulva sp. as an alternative source to conventional feedstuffs (e.g., cereals and soybean meal) for poultry. The objective of the current study was to assess if the incorporation of 15% Ulva lactuca in broiler chickens’ diet, combined or not with carbohydrate-active enzymes, would enhance meat nutritional quality without compromising animal growth performance. Overall, U. lactuca led to an accumulation of antioxidant carotenoids, n-3 PUFA and macrominerals, including magnesium, potassium and phosphorus, in the breast muscle, with likely health benefits, without significantly impairing growth performance. The supplementation of macroalgae with a recombinant ulvan lyase reduced ileal viscosity with possible beneficial effects on broiler digestibility. Although dietary U. lactuca showed potential to increase meat quality, it reduced meat overall acceptability, which suggests the use of a lower algae inclusion level to prevent a negative meat sensory perception for consumers.The aim of the study was to test if feeding 15% U. lactuca to broilers, alone or combined with carbohydrases, enhanced meat nutritional quality, without compromising growth performance. One hundred and twenty 22-day-old broilers were allocated to the following diets and replicated 10 times for 14 days: (1) maize and soy-based diet (control); (2) control with 15% U. lactuca (UL); (3) UL diet with 0.005% commercial carbohydrase mixture (ULC); and (4) UL diet with 0.01% ulvan lyase (ULE). Final body weight and average daily gain decreased (p < 0.050) with the ULE diet compared with the control, but no significant differences were found for the other diets. The intestinal viscosity increased (p < 0.001) with all alga diets but was lowered (p < 0.050) in the ileum with the ULE diet, relative to UL and ULC diets. Meat lightness and redness values, off-flavours, and total carotenoids increased (p < 0.001), while yellow values, tenderness, juiciness, overall acceptability, α- and γ-tocopherol, and total lipids decreased (p < 0.001) with alga diets. The n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) increased (p < 0.050), and the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio decreased (p < 0.001) with the ULE diet. Total minerals in meat increased (p < 0.001) with alga diets, conversely to sodium and zinc (p < 0.001). Feeding 15% of U. lactuca to broilers did not impair growth but increased meat nutritional value through the accumulation of health-promoting antioxidant carotenoids, n-3 PUFA and total minerals, although reducing overall meat acceptability.

Enzyme complex addition in barley or rye broiler diets with two energy levels fed from 1 to 21 days

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate diet digestibility, performance, digestive parameters, and blood parameters when an enzyme complex (EC) was used in barley- and rye-based diets with different energy levels. In the digestibility assay (exp. I), 108 seventeen-day-old Cobb male broilers were distributed in a completely randomized design in 2 × 2 × 2 + 1 factorial arrangement with two feeds (barley or rye), two EC levels (0% and 0.02%), and two energy levels [3025 and 3125 kcal apparent metabolizable energy (AME)·kg−1], plus a control treatment. In exp. II, 1080 one-day-old Cobb male broilers were distributed in a completely randomized design in 2 × 2 × 2 + 1 factorial arrangement with two feeds (barley or rye), two EC levels (0% and 0.02%), and two energy levels (2875 and 2975 kcal AME·kg−1). No interactions were observed for any variables (exp. I and II). Enzyme complex improved the apparent metabolizable coefficient of gross energy (P = 0.0432) of diets. The EC provided greater weight gain (P = 0.0003) and better feed conversion (P = 0.0025). Intestinal viscosity at 21 d was reduced (P &lt; 0.0001) with the addition of the EC. The EC improved nutrient digestibility and performance, but the effects of energy reduction on performance could not be overcome.

New Intrinsically Thermostable Xylanase Improves Broilers’ Growth Performance, Organ Weights, and Affects Intestinal Viscosity and pH

Exogenous carbohydrases are commonly added to monogastric animal feed to degrade non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) to improve zootechnical performance and nutrient digestion. In the current study, the effects of dietary supplementation of a new, intrinsically thermostable, monocomponent xylanase on intestinal parameters, zootechnical performance and carcass traits of broilers were evaluated. A total of 720 1-day-old broilers were randomly allotted to four wheat-based diets with different levels of xylanase (T1: control; T2: 30,000 U/g; T3: 45,000 U/g; T4: 90,000 U/g) and fed from 1 to 35 days of age. The data showed that xylanase supplementation reduced the intestinal viscosity significantly, especially in the ileum. Duodenum and cecum pH was not influenced by xylanase supplementation, while T3 treatment showed the lowest pH value in jejunum and ileum. Xylanase supplementation reduced significantly feed conversion ratio (FCR) without affecting feed intake (FI). T2 treatment exhibited a higher body weight gain (BWG) compared the other treatments. Live weight, carcass weight, legs, and liver weight were significantly higher in T3 and T4 treatments compared to T1. No significant differences on foot pad lesions were observed among the four treatments. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of this new xylanase significantly improves intestinal tract viscosity and affects beneficially broilers’ performance and carcass traits.

Induction of gut leakage in young broiler chickens fed a diet with low rye inclusion

The aim of the present study was to assess the absence of a non-starch polysaccharide (NSP) enzyme in a broiler diet containing a low level (10%) of rye inclusion. Two experimental groups with 40 Ross broilers each, were fed a diet containing 10% rye. One group was supplemented with a NSP enzyme, and the other was not supplemented with the enzyme to increase intestinal viscosity. The birds were fed the respective diets for 14 or 28 days. Intestinal sections were submitted to morphological, morphometric and mRNA-level gene expression analyses. To assess gut leakage, 150 min before euthanasia, broilers had no access to feed and received an oral gavage with fluorescein isothiocyanate-labelled dextran (FITC-d). Serum levels of FITC-d, D-lactate, tight-junction-associated protein 1 (TJAP1), citrulline and ovotransferrin were determined. A significant increase in FITC-d levels was observed in the 14-day-old birds fed the non-supplemented rye diet, and no other serum markers were affected. These birds presented a decreased villus height/crypt depth (VH:CD) ratio and an increased degree of damage in the jejunum. The ileum VH:CD increased, and the goblet cell number decreased in 28-day-old birds fed the non-supplemented rye diet. When broilers were fed the non-supplemented rye diet, the mRNA expression of the tight-junction zona occludens 1 (ZO1) was significantly decreased in the jejunum of 14-day-old broilers, whereas a significant decrease in jejunum mRNA expression of ZO2 and mucin-2 (MUC2) was observed in the jejunum of 28-day-old broilers. In contrast, a significant increase in the mRNA expression of ZO2 was observed in the ileum from 28-day-old broilers fed the non-supplemented rye diet. In conclusion, a 10% rye diet causes intestinal stress in young broiler chickens when the feed is not supplemented with a NSP enzyme. This study may be applied as experimental model of mild gut leakage of broiler chickens.

Effects of fiber type, particle size, and inclusion level on the growth performance, digestive organ growth, intestinal morphology, intestinal viscosity, and gene expression of broilers

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect fiber type, particle size, and inclusion level on the performance parameters, intestinal development and gene expression in broiler chickens. A total of 648 one-day old Cobb male broilers were randomly assigned to a control diet and 8 other dietary treatments divided in 2 fiber types (cellulose vs. soyhulls), 2 particle sizes (100 and 600 µm), and 2 inclusion levels (4 and 8% crude fiber). Birds were reared to 21 days of age in battery cages (n = 6 replicates). Growth performance parameters and intestinal viscosity were measured on da 7, 14, and 21. On d 14 and 21, digestive organ weights were recorded for analyses of organ growth. On d 21, intestinal samples were taken for analyses of histology, and jejunal mucosas were collected for analyses of nutrient transporters. Data were analyzed as a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design using JMP 2021. Treatments were compared against the control group using one-way analysis of variance, whereas the main effect interactions were evaluated as a factorial excluding the control group to be able to assess the effect of the independent variables without the variability introduced by the control group. The groups fed 8% crude fiber from cellulose (8% CL) had the lowest weight gain regardless of the particle size (P < 0.01). The control group had the highest feed intake among the treatments (P < 0.01). The groups fed 8% crude fiber from soyhulls (8% SH) with a coarse particle size had the heaviest relative gizzard weight among the treatments (P = 0.045). The groups fed 8% SH had the heaviest small intestine weights regardless of the particle size (P = 0.009). No differences were observed in the relative weights of the ceca. The highest viscosity was observed in the group fed 8% SH with a fine particle size (P < 0.001). The group fed 4% SH with a coarse particle size had the longest duodenal villus (P < 0.001). The shortest jejunal villus height was observed in the group fed 8% CL with a fine particle size (P < 0.001). Ileal villus was highest in the groups fed high CL levels regardless of the particle size (P < 0.001). The highest digestibility of dry matter was observed in the group 4% SH with fine particle (P = 0.017). The group 4% CL with fine particle had the highest digestibility of crude protein (P = 0.033). The highest expression of peptide transporter 1 was observed in the group fed 8% CL with a coarse particle size (P = 0.008). In conclusion, fiber type, particle size, and inclusion levels are important factors in the regulation of intestinal morphology, viscosity, nutrient transporters, and growth performance.

Feed endoxylanase type and dose affect arabinoxylan hydrolysis and fermentation in ageing broilers.

Despite the general use of endoxylanases in poultry feed to improve broiler performance, the abundance of different endoxylanase products and the variable response to their application in the field prevent a clear understanding of endoxylanase functionality in vivo. To gain insight into this functionality, we investigated the impact of endoxylanase type (Belfeed from Bacillus subtilis versus Econase XT from Nonomuraea flexuosa) and dose (10, 100, 1,000 mg/kg) in combination with broiler age on arabinoxylan (AX) hydrolysis and fermentation in broilers (Ross 308) fed a wheat-soy based diet. In a digestibility trial and a performance trial, a total of 1,057 one-day-old chicks received the control diet or 1 of the 6 endoxylanase supplemented wheat-soy based diets with, respectively, 5 replicate cages and 8 replicate pens per dietary treatment per trial. The AX content and structure, the AX digestibility values and the short-chain fatty acids produced were analysed at the level of the ileum, caeca and excreta at d 11 and 36. Endoxylanase supplementation resulted in a more extensive solubilisation of wheat AX and a reduction in the intestinal viscosity compared to the control (P < 0.05). A high endoxylanase dose was, however, required to obtain increased hydrolysis of the dietary AX along the gastrointestinal tract against the control (P < 0.001). Depending on the type of endoxylanase, a pool of AX with distinct physicochemical properties was created. The B. subtilis endoxylanase created a large pool of soluble AX in the ileum, thereby increasing ileal viscosity compared to broilers fed an endoxylanase from N. flexuosa (P < 0.001). The N. flexuosa endoxylanase mainly triggered caecal AX fermentation in young broilers, by delivering easily fermentable AX substrates with a low degree of polymerisation (P = 0.03). The effects were particularly present in young broilers (d 11). From this study, it is clear that the type and dose of endoxylanase added to wheat-soy based diets determine the nature of AX substrates formed. These, in turn, affect the intestinal viscosity and the interplay between the dietary AX compounds and microbiota, hence dictating AX digestion at young broiler ages and performance outcomes towards slaughter age.

Effect of Feeding Moringa oleifera Leaf Meal with Multienzyme on Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Economics of Production of Broiler Chicks

Background: Moringa leaves have wide range of medicinal value including antimicrobial property. Therefore, it could be an alternative of antibiotic growth promoters in poultry but the presence of phytate and other anti-nutrients can reduce the bioavailability of certain nutrients. Enzymes may reduce anti-nutrients effect, break down non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs), reduce intestinal viscosity and ultimately improve digestibility of nutrients by improving gut performance. An experiment was conducted to assess the effect of supplementation of Moringa oleifera leaf meal with multienzyme on the performance, carcass characteristics and economics of broiler chicks. Methods: Day-old, 150 broiler chicks (Vencobb-400) were randomly allotted to five treatment groups. The T1 i.e. control group was fed on basal diet, while, T2, T3, T4 and T5 treatment groups were supplemented with 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5% and 2.0% of moringa leaf meal in combination with multienzyme @ 50g/100kg feed in the basal broiler starter and finisher ration, respectively.Result: Body weight gain was higher (P less than 0.01) in broilers fed diet supplemented with 1.5% Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) and multienzyme at 3 or 6 weeks of age. The best feed conversion ratio (FCR) at the starter phase was recorded in the T2 group and over the entire period of the trial T4 treatment group had the best FCR. Significant increase in dressing yield percent and relative weight of giblet was observed in broilers fed diet with 1.5% level of moringa leaf meal and multienzyme. Supplementation of MOLM with multienzyme was profitable in terms of reduction in feed cost per kg gain. It was concluded that supplementation of Moringa oleifera leaf meal @ 1.5% with multienzyme at 50g/100Kg dose in the diet was effective in improving the performance and net profit in broiler chicks.

Friend or Foe? Impacts of Dietary Xylans, Xylooligosaccharides, and Xylanases on Intestinal Health and Growth Performance of Monogastric Animals.

Simple SummaryXylan is naturally present in typical feedstuffs fed to animals and has been shown to cause increased digesta viscosity reducing nutrient digestibility and growth. Xylooligosaccharides are sugar oligomers consisting of xylose units that can be extracted and purified from biomaterials for use as a prebiotic in monogastric feeds. Xylooligosaccharides can also be obtained from the hydrolysis of xylan either in the intestine of the animal or in-vitro through various techniques. The question of xylanase supplementation versus xylooligosaccharide supplementation as well as symbiosis of both on the intestinal health and performance of monogastric livestock is still up for debate. Xylanase inhibitors present in common cereal grains provide yet another obstacle to overcome and are found to be highly variable. As the fear of antibiotic resistance increases, novel approaches to improve growth performance and enhance intestinal health without the use of antibiotics also increase. The aim of this article is to review the structural difference and its impact on xylan in feeds, classification and the use of various xylanases, as well as the production and use of xylooligosaccharides for the physiological effects on intestinal health and growth performance of monogastric animals.This paper discusses the structural difference and role of xylan, procedures involved in the production of xylooligosaccharides (XOS), and their implementation into animal feeds. Xylan is non-starch polysaccharides that share a β-(1-4)-linked xylopyranose backbone as a common feature. Due to the myriad of residues that can be substituted on the polymers within the xylan family, more anti-nutritional factors are associated with certain types of xylan than others. XOS are sugar oligomers extracted from xylan-containing lignocellulosic materials, such as crop residues, wood, and herbaceous biomass, that possess prebiotic effects. XOS can also be produced in the intestine of monogastric animals to some extent when exogenous enzymes, such as xylanase, are added to the feed. Xylanase supplementation is a common practice within both swine and poultry production to reduce intestinal viscosity and improve digestive utilization of nutrients. The efficacy of xylanase supplementation varies widely due a number of factors, one of which being the presence of xylanase inhibitors present in common feedstuffs. The use of prebiotics in animal feeding is gaining popularity as producers look to accelerate growth rate, enhance intestinal health, and improve other production parameters in an attempt to provide a safe and sustainable food product. Available research on the impact of xylan, XOS, as well as xylanase on the growth and health of swine and poultry, is also summarized. The response to xylanase supplementation in swine and poultry feeds is highly variable and whether the benefits are a result of nutrient release from NSP, reduction in digesta viscosity, production of short chain xylooligosaccharides or a combination of these is still in question. XOS supplementation seems to benefit both swine and poultry at various stages of production, as well as varying levels of XOS purity and degree of polymerization; however, further research is needed to elucidate the ideal dosage, purity, and degree of polymerization needed to confer benefits on intestinal health and performance in each respective species.

Role of Dietary Fiber in Poultry Nutrition.

Simple SummaryDietary fiber is an inherent compound found in common vegetables that are fed to broiler chickens. Fiber has the ability to scape digestion and absorption in the small intestine, which makes it able to affect the way other nutrients are absorbed and metabolized in the gastrointestinal tract. The functionality attributed to fiber varies based on chemical and physical structure, and most of the time, it is hard to make a clear differentiation among attributes due to the complexity of carbohydrates found in common feedstuffs. Data on the effect of dietary fiber have been gaining importance due to the use of grains for ethanol production and the search for feed alternatives that could help in sustainable and cost-effective broiler production. Therefore, it is paramount to integrate the current knowledge on the nutritional and physiological attributes of dietary fiber in poultry diets to be able to make correct use of fibrous feedstuffs.Dietary fiber (DF) is an intrinsic component in plant feedstuffs that has been associated with physiological, structural, and functional changes in the gastrointestinal tract. DF is composed of non-starch polysaccharides (NSP), oligosaccharides, and lignin that scape digestion and enzymatic hydrolysis. In general terms, fiber can be classified as insoluble or soluble based on their solubility in water. Both fiber types have direct nutritional implications in broiler diets. Inclusion of insoluble DF in broiler diets modulates intestinal morphology, digestive organ development, nutrient absorption, growth performance, and intestinal microbiota. Soluble DF is thought to increase intestinal viscosity and is associated with negative changes in intestinal microflora and reduction in nutrient absorption. Nevertheless, there is a group of soluble fibers, integrated by oligosaccharides, that function as prebiotics positively modulating intestinal microbiota. Due to the changes in chemical structure and subsequent variation in functionality, it is a difficult task to assign clear attributes to DF as a whole. Therefore, the following review paper compiles data from research conducted using DF and tries to unify such information into practical decisions to be considered when using DF as a functional nutrient in poultry nutrition.

EFFECT OF PROCESSING AND ENZYME SUPPLEMENTATION OF CASSAVA ROOT MEAL ON PERFORMANCE OF BROILER CHICKS

The effects of processing by mashing, cold-pelleting, bent- pelleting and extrusion, and enzyme applicatentation of diets containing 0200 and 400g cassava root meal (CRM)/kg on the performance of broiler chicks were studied. During the first week, DM intake was higher (P&lt;0.05) for the chicks on Diet 1 and the absence of CRM while feeding mash as against pellets reduced feed intake from 7- 28d (P&lt;0.05), weight gain (P&lt;0.001) and feed to gain ratio (P&lt;0.001). Heat -pelleted and extruded diets did not result in significantly, higher intakes (P&gt;0.05) and weight gains compared with the cold-pellet diets. Supplementation with Enzyme premix improved feed to pain ratio (P&lt;0.05) during the resistant starch at first week but had no effect over the 3 week period of the study. Ideal viscosity tests showed In Europe, dietary CRM inclusion had a significant effect (P&lt;0.001) on the intestinal viscosity.

Effect of humate supplementation to feed and/or litter on performance, intestinal viscosity, litter quality, and occurrence of footpad dermatitis in broilers fed barley-based diets.

We investigated the effect of in-feed and/or in-litter supplemental humate against footpad dermatitis (FPD) in broilers fed diets based on barley. Three hundred and sixty 1-day-old Ross 308 broiler chickens were randomly distributed to 24 floor pens (4 treatments, each consisting of 6 replicate pens; 15 chickens per pen) as a completely randomized design with 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of two levels of supplemental humate in feed (0 and 1g/kg feed) and litter (0 and 5g/kg litter). Growth performance, intestinal viscosity, litter quality, and incidence and severity of FPD in broilers were measured. In addition, malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were determined in blood and footpad tissues of broilers with different FPD scores. The results revealed that there was no interaction between humate supplementation to feed and litter. Neither dietary nor litter supplementation of humate had a significant effect on growth performance, intestinal viscosity, litter quality, and occurrence of FPD. And also, MDA and SOD levels in serum and footpad tissue did not affect by either dietary or litter supplementation of humate. The presence of FPD (score 1) had no effect on MDA and SOD levels in serum, however, increased the MDA and SOD levels (P < 0.001, P = 0.001, respectively) in footpad tissue of broilers. The intestinal viscosity did not differ between FPD scores 0 and 1. In conclusion, findings of this experiment suggest that humate supplementation to feed and litter did not alleviate FPD development in broilers fed diets based on barley. In addition, the presence of FPD lesions increases the MDA and SOD levels in the footpad tissues.

Exogenous xylanase improves broiler production efficiency by increasing proximal small intestine digestion of crude protein and starch in wheat-based diets of various viscosities

Changes in small intestine digestion kinetics and early enzymatic hydrolysis in the crop attributable to xylanase supplementation has not previously been thoroughly studied in relation to animal performance. The current paper reports the effects on broiler performance of a commercial mono-component GH11 xylanase added to normal and high viscous wheat-based broiler diets with emphasis on the site of early enzymatic hydrolysis as indicated by nutrient digestibility kinetics, and visual cereal cell wall degradation.The study was conducted using 2850 1-day old male Ross 308 broilers, allocated to 5 dietary treatments: (1) positive control, an optimized diet based on wheat, soy and corn; (2) negative control; (3) negative control of high viscosity; (4) negative control supplemented with xylanase; (5) negative control of high viscosity supplemented with xylanase. Both negative control and negative control high viscosity diets were reduced in apparent metabolizable energy (starter 3.3 %, grower 7.0 % and finisher 8.5 %) as well as digestible amino acids compared to the positive control, achieved by substituting corn for rye and wheat-coproducts. The xylanase was supplemented at 150 FXU/kg to treatment 4 and 5. Each treatment was fed ad lib to 19 replicated pens of 30 birds. The BW, feed intake (FI) and FCR were measured from d0−35 and intestinal viscosity and nutrient digestibility on d28. Statistical comparisons were performed using a mixed model. All negative controls had higher FI than the positive control regardless of xylanase supplementation. The negative control with high viscosity supplemented with xylanase had an increased BW at d35 compared to all other treatments. The xylanase improved d35 FCR compared to the unsupplemented diets resulting in a European efficiency factor similar to the positive control. Microscopy of digesta samples helped visualize that the exogenous enzymatic degradation of the cereal cell wall components commenced already in the crop and increased throughout the intestinal tract. This was accompanied by reduced jejunal and ileal digesta viscosity for the xylanase supplemented treatments. Depending on diet, the xylanase improved jejunal, but not ileal, digestibility of several nutrients including starch and protein. In conclusion, it is suggested that improved growth performance is caused by an array of multifactorial effects such as viscosity reduction, cell wall degradation and changes in the intestinal site of digestion. The current results display the potential of using xylanase in diets containing what is generally considered as lower quality arabinoxylan rich feedstuffs.

Effects of xylanase and probiotic supplementation on broiler chicken diets

ABSTRACT The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of xylanase and probiotic supplementation on the performance, carcass characteristics, intestinal pH, intestinal viscosity, and ileal microbiota of broiler chickens fed diets containing wheat bran. The study animals were kept in metal cages, and the study was performed using a completely randomized design, with four treatments, six birds per treatment, and six replicates. The four treatments included a control group, a probiotic-supplemented group, a xylanase-supplemented group, and a [...]

Mechanistic exploration of glycemic lowering by soluble dietary fiber ingestion: Predictive modeling and simulation

It is widely known that ingestion of soluble dietary fiber (SDF) can help lower blood sugar level, whose dominant mechanism, however, remains unclear. This work presents spatiotemporally distributed intestinal absorption models that can be seamlessly coupled with an established glucose-insulin regulation model to predict glycemic lowering by SDF ingestion. Fluid absorption and absorption area evolution in the intestine have been rigorously taken into account. The current model predictions can match in vivo data much better than any existing model. By resorting to this model, key glycemic lowering mechanisms (e.g., delayed gastric emptying, glucose binding and viscosity change) have been systematically explored to identify dominant ones conferred by different SDFs. It is revealed that, taking guar gum as an example, increased intestinal viscosity due to the ingestion of SDF is the dominant mechanism. The model and findings will be valuable for the design of functional foods for human health.