Sole Grain Research Articles

Dietary Inclusion of Triticale and Bentonite Enhances Productive Performance and Carcass Meat Characteristics of Broiler Chickens

Background: Poultry production quality could be adjusted or improved through the introduction of local plant resources into the diet. The current study evaluated the effects of total corn substitution with triticale and bentonite supplementation on broiler performance, carcass meat characteristics and blood profiles. Methods: Ninety one-day old broiler Cobb 500 chicks were allocated in a completely randomized experimental design, with three dietary treatments totaling 30 birds per treatment. The treatments contained either corn as a control group (BD), triticale (TRT) as a sole grain source, or triticale + 2% bentonite (TRT2%). The diets were provided from 14 to 47 days of age. Growth performance, carcass and breast meat quality and serum components were measured. Result: The chicks fed a triticale-based diet (TRT2%) had a higher final body weight and weight gain (P less than 0.05), while the FCR increased in the birds fed a triticale-bentonite-based diet (TRT2%). The data obtained indicated that total replacement of triticale for corn and dietary supplementation with bentonite resulted in better growth performance and an increase in breast yield (P less than 0.05). Moreover, the dietary supplementation of bentonite and triticale had a significant influence (P less than 0.05) on the serum levels of triglycerides and calcium. The chicks fed a basal diet had significantly (P less than 0.05) higher triglycerides and lower calcium blood serum levels than those fed experimental diets. However, there was no significant effect on breast meat traits (P greater than 0.05).

Diet medication and beta-glucanase affect ileal digesta soluble beta-glucan molecular weight, carbohydrate fermentation, and performance of coccidiosis vaccinated broiler chickens given wheat-based diets

Exogenous enzymes as alternatives to feed antibiotics in poultry has become an emerging research area with the emergence of antibiotic resistance. The objective was to evaluate the effects of diet medication (antibiotics) and β-glucanase (BGase) on digesta soluble β-glucan depolymerization, carbohydrate fermentation, and performance of coccidiosis-vaccinated broiler chickens fed wheat-based diets. A total of 1,782 broilers were raised on litter floor pens, and each treatment was assigned to 1 pen in each of the 9 rooms. The 3 dietary treatments were based on wheat as the sole grain (control, control + medication and control + 0.1% BGase), and the birds were fed the respective treatments ad libitum from 0 to 33 d. Treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design and analyzed as a one-way ANOVA. Beta-glucanase reduced the peak molecular weight, weight average molecular weight (Mw) and maximum molecular weight for the smallest 10% β-glucan molecules (MW-10%) in ileal digesta at d 11 and 33, whereas diet medication reduced Mw and MW-10% at d 33 compared to the control (P < 0.01). Beta-glucanase and medication reduced the ileal viscosity at d 11 compared to the control (P = 0.010). Ileal propionic acid concentration at d 11 and caecal total SCFA, acetic, and butyric acid concentrations at d 33 were lower in the BGase-supplemented diet than in the control (P < 0.05). The BGase-added diet had higher duodenal pH compared to the control at d 33 (P = 0.026). The effect of medication on carbohydrate fermentation was minimal. Diet medication increased weight gain after d 11, whereas BGase increased the gain for the total trial period compared to the control (P < 0.001). Feed intake was not affected by the dietary treatment. Medication and BGase improved feed efficiency after d 11 compared to the control (P < 0.001). The response to diet medication was larger than BGase, considering weight gain and feed efficiency after d 11 (P < 0.001). In conclusion, diet medication and BGase depolymerized high molecular weight ileal soluble β-glucan and increased overall bird performance. Dietary BGase may benefit bird health in broilers fed wheat-based diets without medication.

PSIII-6 Late-Breaking: Ground Hybrid Rye as a Partial or Sole Concentrate in Backgrounding Rations

Abstract Cereal rye has been utilized in multiple ways within cropping systems in the northern Great Plains. Rye has traditionally not been utilized as a suitable grain for growing and finishing calves. Previously, recommendations have limited the use of rye due to the negative effects of ergot ingestion. Recent hybrid rye germplasms have shown increased yields with decreased incidence of ergot. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of ground hybrid rye inclusion rate on dry matter intake (DMI), growth performance, and feed efficiency in backgrounding beef steers. Two hundred crossbred steers were shipped to the Carrington Research Extension Center near Carrington, ND, stratified by weight, and assigned to one of twenty pens (n = 10 steers/pen). Four treatments were used in a completely randomized block design to evaluate animal performance during backgrounding when fed partial or complete replacement of corn with rye as the concentrate source. Ground hybrid rye was substituted for DRC as follows: a basal diet formulated with 20% DRC: 0% ground hybrid rye (CON), 13.5% DRC: 6.5% ground hybrid rye (RYE1), 6.5% DRC: 13.5% ground hybrid rye (RYE2), or 0% DRC:20% ground hybrid rye (RYE3) on a dry matter basis. Steers were fed for a total of 56 days beginning Oct. 25, 2021. Interim weights were taken on Nov. 22, 2021, and final weights were taken Dec. 20, 2021. At the conclusion of the feeding period, cattle were weighed on two consecutive days to determine final body weight. Performance data including animal live weights, ADG, DMI and G:F ratio were calculated. The use of rye within the diet did not influence steer weight throughout the study (P = 0.11). No differences in ADG were detected throughout the study (P = 0.68). Steers fed diets containing hybrid rye had higher DMI (P = 0.03) and higher F:G (P = 0.04) during the first month of the study. Increased DMI during the initial month of backgrounding may promote improved intake and growth. Results from the study suggest that steers fed rye as a partial or sole grain in a high forage backgrounding diet weighed similar to calves fed corn as the sole concentrate source.

Models to predict the risk of subacute ruminal acidosis in dairy cows based on dietary and cow factors: A meta-analysis

The present research aimed at developing practical and feasible models to optimize feeding adequacy to maintain desired rumen pH conditions and prevent subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) in dairy cows. We conducted 2 meta-analyses, one using data from recent published literatures (study 1) to investigate the prediction of SARA based on nutrient components and dietary physical and chemical characteristics, and another using internal data of our 5 different published experiments (study 2) to obtain adjustments based on cow status. The results of study 1 revealed that physically effective neutral detergent fiber inclusive of particles >8 mm (peNDF >8) and dietary starch [% of dry matter (DM)] were sufficient for predicting daily mean ruminal pH {y = 5.960 - (0.00781 × starch) + (0.03743 × peNDF >8) - [0.00061 × (peNDF >8 × peNDF >8)]}. The model for time of pH suppression (<5.8 for ruminal pH or <6.0 for reticular pH, min/d) can be predicted with additionally including DMI (kg/d): 124.7 + (1.7007 × DMI) + (20.9270 × starch) + (0.2959 × peNDF >8) - [0.0437 × (DMI × starch × peNDF >8)]. As a rule of thumb, when taken separately, we propose 15 to 18% peNDF >8 as a safe range for diet formulation to prevent SARA, when starch or NFC levels are within 20 to 25% and 35 to 40% ranges, respectively. At dietary starch content below 20% of DM, grain type was insignificant in affecting ruminal pH. However, increasing dietary starch contents by using corn as the sole grain source could lead to more severe drops of pH compared with using grain mix based on barley and wheat, as underlined by an interaction between starch content and grain type. Data from study 2 emphasized an increased risk of SARA for cows in the first and second lactation with lower mean pH (0.2 units) and double amounts of time at pH <5.8 compared with the cows with ≥3 parities. Given that a lower ruminal pH is expected in these high-risk cows, it is advisable to keep the lower end of recommended starch (20%) and higher peNDF >8 (18%) contents in the diet of these cows. Overall, the present study underlines the possibility of predicting SARA based on dietary factors including peNDF >8 and starch contents, as well as DMI of the cows, which can be practically implemented for optimal diet formulation for dairy cows. With more data available, future studies should attempt to improve the predictions by including additional key dietary and cow factors in the models.

Effects of feeding hulled and hull-less barley with low- and high-forage diets on lactation performance, nutrient digestibility, and milk fatty acid composition of lactating dairy cows

The objective of this study was to evaluate lactation performance, nutrient digestibility, and milk fatty acid composition of high-producing dairy cows consuming diets containing hulled or hull-less barley as the grain source when feeding low-forage (LF) or high-forage (HF) diets. Eight primiparous (610 ± 40 kg of body weight and 72 ± 14 d in milk) and 16 multiparous (650 ± 58 kg of body weight and 58 ± 16 d in milk) Holstein cows were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 diets in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments and 21-d periods. Cows were assigned to squares based on parity (1, 2, and ≥3) and days in milk. Diets were formulated to contain on a dry matter basis (1) 45% forage and hulled barley as the sole grain source, (2) 65% forage and hulled barley as the sole grain source, (3) 45% forage and hull-less barley as the sole grain source, and (4) 65% forage and hull-less barley as the sole grain source. Dry matter intake tended to be lower for the diet with 65% forage and hulled barley than for the rest of the diets (24.4 vs. 26.6 kg/d). Neither the type of barley nor the forage-to-concentrate ratio affected milk yield (41.7 kg/d). Barley type did not affect milk fat or protein concentrations. Feeding LF diets decreased milk fat concentration from 3.91% to 3.50%. This decrease was less than anticipated and resulted in a 7% decrease in milk fat yield relative to cows consuming HF diets (1.60 and 1.49 kg/d for HF and LF diets, respectively). Feeding LF diets increased the concentration of C18:1 trans-10 in milk fat, suggesting that feeding LF diets may have marginally altered rumen function. In conclusion, LF diets containing barley grains can marginally decrease milk fat concentration. Overall, and based on the conditions of this study, there is limited evidence to anticipate a dramatic or acute milk fat depression when feeding hull-less barley as the grain source in diets for high-producing dairy cows.

Effect of Monensin and Live Yeast Supplementation on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Carcass Characteristics and Ruminal Fermentation Parameters in Lambs Fed Steam-flaked Corn-based Diets

In performance, digestibility and slaughter trials, a total of forty five male weaned lambs were used to examine the effects of monensin and live yeast supplementations on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass characteristics and ruminal fermentation parameters when the lambs were fed steam-flaked corn-based diets. Animals were allotted to one of three treatment diets in a completely randomized design. The three treatment diets were: (1) basal diet (CON) with steam-flaked corn as a sole grain source, (2) basal diet supplemented with monensin (MO), and (3) basal diet supplemented with live yeast (LY). Total average daily intake (ADI) was unaffected by MO and LY supplementations. LY supplementation increased (p<0.05) average daily gain (ADG) by 13.1% compared with the CON diet. Both MO and LY supplementations resulted in a significant improvement (p<0.05) of feed efficiency over the CON diet (4.47, 4.68 vs. 5.05). Hemicellulose digestibility was higher (p<0.05) for lambs in the LY supplementation group (62.4%) as compared with the CON group (55.7%), but no differences were observed in digestibilities of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF). All carcass traits were not influenced by dietary supplementations. Ruminal pH in lambs fed the LY supplemental diet was more stable than that with the CON diet (6.57 vs. 6.17). Neither MO nor LY supplementation influenced the concentration of ruminal ammonia-N and total volatile fatty acid (VFA), and molar percentages of individual VFA. Plasma urea-N concentration was decreased (p<0.05) by MO and LY supplementations, while plasma β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), glucose and other blood parameters were unaffected. In conclusion, while both MO and LY supplementations had a positive impact on feed efficiency and LY supplementation stabilized ruminal pH and improved fiber utilization, none of the supplements had the capacity to significantly enhance the carcass characteristics.

Determination of some digestibility of nutrients, rumen and blood metabolites of Akkaraman rams fed low-tannin sorghum and other conventional feeds

In this study, some blood and rumen metabolites and digestibility of sorghum and other feedstuffs were determined. Four Akkaraman rams weighing 55 kg were fed barley (1200g barley +800 g clover), corn (1200 g + 800 g clover), sorghum (1200 g + 800 g clover), and low quality clover (1200 g) in a 4x4 Latin square design experiment. Each period consisted of 10-day of an adaptation phase and 14-day of a sample collection phase. Blood and rumen samples were collected at the end of sample collection periods. One-way ANOVA with Duncan’s Multiple Range Test was used in data analyses. pH values were 6.62, 6.80, 6.74, and 7.22 and NH3 levels were; 4.38, 3.12, 9.61 and 14.46 mg/dL for rams fed for sorghum, barley, corn and clover, respectively (p<0.05 for both). Nitrogen levels of blood serum were determined were 14.90, 8.55 10.00 and 18.70 mg/dL, respectively, in the same order (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in serum glucose and total protein levels. Apparent digestibilities were 83.06, 85.33, 69.01, and 59.34% for OM and 73.92, 67.92, 31.92, and 63.52 for CP in rams fed sorghum, barley, corn and clover, respectively (p<0.05 for both). There was no difference in digestibility of NDF, ADF and crude ash. In conclusion, due to presence of tannin, sorghum may not be suitable alternative to other grains as sole grain source for small ruminants

Feeding Barley to Poultry: A Review

Barley is utilized to best advantage in poultry diets when consideration is given to the class of bird being fed and the desired level of performance. As with other cereal grains barley must be ground to achieve maximum utilization when used in poultry diets. The β-glucans inherent to most barleys can create problems for young birds and birds raised on litter. The amount of barley in broiler diets can gradually by increased as the birds become adapted to it. When poultry are fed barleybased diets, reduced variability in performance and improved growth can be obtained through the use of enzyme supplementation. Enzyme supplementation is not required in iayer diets that contain barley. However, during peak production periods barley should not be used as the sole grain components. Young turkeys responded to enzyme supplementation of barley diet with improved average daily gains and feed efficiencies.

Nutritional value of triticale (Carman) for broiler diets

A new triticale cultivar called Carman (X Triticosecale Wittmack) recently released in Manitoba, Canada, was evaluated for its nutritional worth. Carman was found to contain 13.0% protein and 12.7 MJ kg −1 (14.5 MJ kg −1 DM basis) true metabolizable energy. Two 28-day and one 47-day feeding trials were conducted with 2080 male broiler chicks. In the first experiment, Carman triticale replaced Glenlea wheat at levels of 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% of the total grain. Diets containing 50–100% triticale resulted in significantly ( P < 0.05) higher weight gains and better ( P > 0.05) energy and protein efficiencies, compared to the wheat control diet. Feed consumption of those chicks fed the 100% triticale diets was significantly ( P < 0.05) greater than for birds fed the wheat control or 25% triticale diets, however, no significant ( P > 0.05) differences in feed:gain (F:G) ratios were detected. In Experiment 2, isonitrogenous, isocaloric starter and finisher diets based on triticale or wheat were fed to broiler chicks for 47 days. The overall (0–47-day) weight gain was significantly ( P < 0.05) higher for chicks fed the triticale diets, whereas no significant ( P > 0.05) differences were detected for F:G ratio. Feed consumption was higher ( P < 0.05) for those chicks fed triticale diets. In Experiment 3, a 60% triticale diet was supplemented with 3 levels of l-lysine·HCl (0, 0.1 and 0.2%) and/or 3 levels of dl-methionine (0, 0.05 and 0.1%). Chick weight gain and feed intake were not affected by the addition of l-lysine and/or dl-methionine. The addition of l-lysine had no effect on the F:G ratio, however, the addition of dl-methionine resulted in F:G ratios approaching significance ( P = 0.051). No lysine × methionine interaction was observed for any of the parameters. Differences in mortality were small and non-significant in all the experiments. It can be concluded that Carman triticale can be used as the sole grain source in broiler starter and finisher diets, however, methionine supplementation is required.

Responses of meat chickens offered 4-deoxynivalenol- and zearalenone-containing wheat, naturally infected with Fusarium graminearum

The responses of meat chickens offered wheat naturally infected with F. rarninearum Schwabe (DONZEA wheat), a control wheat, a protein and trace nutrient concentrate (PTNC), and diets comprising a mixture of PTNC with either DON-ZEA or control wheat were examined over the period from 7 to 28 days of age. The six treatments were: (1) a choice of PTNC, DON-ZEA wheat and control wheat, (2) a choice of PTNC and DON-ZEA wheat, (3) a choice of PTNC and control wheat, (4) a choice of a PTNC and DON-ZEA wheat diet and a PTNC and control wheat diet, (5) a PTNC and DON-ZEA wheat diet, (6) a PTNC and control wheat diet. The DON-ZEA wheat and the DON-ZEA diet contained 19 and 12 mg 4-deoxynivalenol kg-', respectively, and 3 and 2.6 mg zearalenone kg-1, respectively. Each treatment was assigned to three groups of 10 chickens in a randomized block design. The primary response in chickens offered DON-ZEA wheat, either separately or in mixed diets, was a reluctance to eat the affected feed. This was most evident in treatment 1 when given a choice between DON-ZEA wheat (103 g wheat consumed bird -1) and control wheat (505 g wheat bird-1), and in treatment 4 when offered the DON-ZEA diet (326 g bird-1) and the control diet (821 g bird-1). The chickens showed less reluctance to eat the DON-ZEA wheat (396 g wheat bird-1) and the DON-ZEA diet (1073 g bird-1) when these were offered as the sole grain (treatment 2 ) or diet (treatment 5), respectively, although intakes were less than that of the control wheat (570 g wheat bird-') and of the control diet (1184 g bird-1) when these were offered as the sole grain or diet (treatments 3 and 6, respectively). It is concluded that diets based on wheat naturally infected with F. graminearurn may depress growth rate in meat chickens by reducing their feed consumption.

The nutritional value for meat chickens of water-damaged wheat from temporary bulk stores in Queensland

The nutritional value of water-damaged wheat and free-flowing wheat from temporary bulk stores at Goondiwindi was determined. Each was fed to meat chickens as the sole grain component or combined in several proportions, and compared with a control wheat in diets of similar nutrient composition. In addition, the nutrient composition of water-damaged and free-flowing wheat from temporary stores at Meeandarra, Thallon, Jandowae and Millmerran in southern Queensland was determined.A progressive reduction in the ratio of total amino acids to crude protein (0.98-0-70 w/w) and innitrogen-free extract (789-685 g kg-1 dry matter) was associated with increasing severity of water damage. Ether extract and gross energy contents of the dry matter were low in water-damaged wheat from all sites, but only the wheat with the most damage had a lower metabolizable energy content (12.99 versus 14.12 MJ kg-1) in the dry matter and as a proportion of gross energy (71% versus 76%) than free-flowing wheat from the same site.The three diets containing high levels of rotten (two diets) and severely water-damaged wheat (one diet) resulted in an average liveweight gain (26.1 g day-1) and feed conversion (1.86) which was poorer than that of the free-flowing wheat (28.1 g day-1, 1.59) and the average of other less water-damaged wheat treatments (29.7 g day-1, 1.57). The higher average liveweight gain of the latter treatments relative to the free-flowing wheat and control (27.3 g day-1) treatments was significant but was not reflected in better feed conversion. Possible reasons for these findings are discussed.

Comparison of the nutritional value of low and medium tannin sorghum grains for pigs

The effect of sorghum grain of low (0.32%) and medium (0.94%) tannic acid content was studied in a growth experiment on Large White pigs. Medium tannin sorghum in pig diets had no significant adverse effect on growth, back fat thickness or feed conversion efficiency, but it was associated with a trend towards lower growth rate. All-sorghum diets, with either low or medium tannin, resulted in a significantly inferior feed conversion ratio compared to the wheat control. It was concluded that sorghum grain with up to about 0.94% tannic acid can be used as the main or sole grain in grower pig diets without the risk of any significant adverse effect on growth or back fat thickness. The production of medium tannin sorghum grain in bird-infested areas will depend on the extent to which pig producers would be prepared to use it in pig diets.

A nutritional evaluation of buckwheat ( Fagopyrum esculentum)

Experiments were conducted with rats, pigs, chickens and laying hens. Buckwheat had a high neutral detergent fibre content of 20%; digestible energy measured with pigs was 11.5 MJ/kg, and a mean metabolizable energy value of 11.0 MJ/kg with poultry. Growth studies with rats and chicks showed that buckwheat in mono-grain diets was superior to cereal grains. However, it was not possible to identify limiting amino acids in buckwheat, and supplementation with fat and protein sources did not promote the growth responses anticipated. Removal of the fibrous hulls from buckwheat by sifting did not increase growth rate, but food conversion was improved. Although chemical analysis indicated that amino acids were adequate to maintain egg production, this was not confirmed in laying trials even when additions of lysine and methionine were made to buckwheat. The most favourable response to buckwheat was achieved in pig-growth studies. Growth rate on an all-buckwheat diet was not different from that on an all-wheat (12% CP) diet but addition of lysine improved growth rate and feed conversion. Addition of 10% meat meal or sunflower meal to buckwheat gave similar growth and feed conversion to those of a commercial grower diet. Amino acid disappearance, measured at the terminal ileum of pigs prepared with re-entrant cannulas, gave values ranging from 90% for methionine to 65% for leucine, although there was substantial variation among pigs. It was apparent that buckwheat as the sole grain source was not suitable for the species examined. Differences in performance between individual animals may be attributed to their capacity to degrade the buckwheat fibre. This may in part explain the variation in the response of individuals to the experimental diets and therefore a tendency to mask responses to the various supplements. It can be concluded from this study that buckwheat as the sole source of energy is unsuitable for pigs and poultry even though in the diets of pigs it gave acceptable growth rate and feed conversion. Some pigs, however, did not take readily to this grain and often took several hours to consume their rations. Poor acceptability, perhaps due to the presence of a toxin or other chemical compounds, appears to be associated with this grain.

Minimal Levels of Dietary Oils, Grain Oils or Supplementary Oil, Affecting the Composition and Stability of Carcass Fat and Meat of Broilers

Three experiments were conducted to examine the effect of low levels of dietary oil, supplied either by added soybean oil or originating from the grain (corn or milo), on the composition and stability of carcass fat and meat of broilers fed glucose-starch-soybean meal diets. The addition of 0.3% soybean oil or 20% yellow corn or 40% milo sufficed to increase markedly the degree of unsaturation of abdominal fat, mainly due to the increase in linoleic acid concentration, accompanied by an enhanced susceptibility to oxidation. Further increase in the degree of unsaturation of the carcass fat, due to higher levels of dietary oils, promoted further decrease in its stability in the cases of dietary soybean and milo oils, but not with corn oil. Moreover, differences in the degree of unsaturation of the carcass fat of broilers, fed either corn or milo as the sole grain (in the absence of added antioxidant and vitamin E), were not markedly reflected in the stability of either abdominal fat or meat, presumably due to the higher α-tocopherol content in tissues of broilers fed corn.Corn-oil-derived linoleic acid was deposited into adipose tissue at a significantly higher rate than that originating from milo or soybean oils.

The Influence of Energy Intake and Dietary Maize Oil Supplementation of Layers’ Rations Containing Maize, Wheat or Barley as the Sole Cereal Ingredient

INTRODUCTIONALTHOUGH maize is the most commonly used cereal grain in poultry rations there is some uncertainly as to the relative value of maize compared to other cereals. Although Lillie and Denton (1968) have recently determined the nutritional value of barley, oats, wheat and maize when fed as the sole grain in layer diets usually in this type of investigation the grain under study is fed in combination with other grains (Anderson and Draper, 1956; Brown and Hale, 1965; Brown et al., 1967; Gerry, 1958; Petersen and Lampman, 1955). However, other investigators have studied the nutritional value of barley (Anderson et al., 1960; Arscott et al., 1962; Berg, 1961; Fox, 1966; Lillie and Denton, 1968; Shutze et al., 1962), wheat (Arscott, 1965; Edwards and Morris, 1967; Lillie and Denton, 1968; Sell and Hodgson, 1966; Shutze et al., 1962) and oats (Fox, 1966; Lillie and Denton, 1968; Shutze et al., 1962)…

Use of Barley in High-Efficiency Broiler Rations: 4. Influence of Amylolytic Enzymes on Efficiency of Utilization, Water Consumption and Litter Condition

JENSEN et al. (1957) have reported on improvement in nutritional value of Western barley for chicks by enzyme supplementation. Similar results have previously been reported by Fry et al. (1957a) involving water treatment as a means for improving barley utilization. In both experiments marked improvements in growth and feed efficiency to four weeks of age were obtained from either method of treatment. Fry et al. (1957b) also noted that water intake was reduced and the consistency of droppings altered in the presence of the enzyme supplement.In studies previously reported from this station (Arscott et al., 1958) evidence was presented indicating that the addition of animal fat to pelleted feeds containing Hannchen barley as the sole grain resulted in a marked improvement in growth and feed efficiency but did not correct the adverse litter condition observed with these diets. It therefore became of interest to determine if the enzyme treatment…