Enzyme Supplementation Research Articles

Impact of varying levels of soy hulls and β-mannanase enzyme supplementation on growth performance, carcass characteristics, nutrient utilization and blood biochemical profile in broiler chickens

Two hundred and forty day-old broilers were randomly assigned to six experimental groups in a 2 x 3 factorial design. The birds were fed diets containing soybean hulls (SH) at the levels of 4% and 6% and β-Mannanase (BM) at the concentration of 0%, 0.05% and 0.1%. Results indicated significant effects of SH and BM supplementation on body weight (BW) and weight gain (WG), with birds fed 4% SH and 0.1% BM exhibiting higher (p < 0.05) body weight and weight gain compared to other groups. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was improved (p < 0.05) in birds receiving 4% SH with 0.1% BM supplementation. However, no significant effects were observed on carcase traits across treatment groups. Regarding nutrient digestibility, birds supplemented with 0.1% BM showed improved (p < 0.05) crude protein (CP) digestibility compared to those without BM supplementation. No significant variations were observed in dry matter, crude fibre and ether extract utilisation among treatment groups. Hematological and serum biochemical parameters were not influenced by SH and BM supplementation, indicating no adverse effects on blood parameters. In conclusion, these findings underscore the potential advantages of incorporating 4% SH and 0.1% BM in broiler diets for enhanced growth performance and nutrient utilisation.

Exopeptidase combination enhances the degradation of isotopically labelled gluten immunogenic peptides in humans.

Celiac disease is a common autoimmune-like enteropathy caused by an aberrant response to incompletely digested dietary gluten. Gluten immunogenic peptides including the immunodominant 33-mer are thought to be resistant to proteolytic digestion by human gastrointestinal peptidases. We developed a novel enzyme therapy approach to support gluten peptide digestion using a combination of two tandem-acting exopeptidases, AMYNOPEP, that complement the intrinsic enzymatic activity of intestinal brush border enterocytes. We evaluated the effects of AMYNOPEP supplementation on 33-mer degradation in vitro and in vivo. In a cross-over clinical study, healthy volunteers with no gastrointestinal disorders were given stable isotope (SI) labelled 33-mer peptides in the presence of varying peptide substrates and caloric loads, with and without AMYNOPEP. 33-mer degradation products (SI-labelled single amino acids) were measured in the blood plasma using LC-MS/MS. AMYNOPEP achieved rapid, complete amino-to-carboxyl terminal degradation of the 33-mer in vitro, generating single amino acids and dipeptides. In healthy volunteers, AMYNOPEP supplementation significantly increased 33-mer degradation and absorption of SI-labelled amino acids even in the presence of competing substrates. Specifically, we observed a 2.8-fold increase in the Cmax of stable isotope-labelled amino acids in the presence of wheat gluten. The absorption kinetics of labelled amino acids derived from 33-mer digestion with AMYNOPEP closely resembled that of SI-labelled X-Proline dipeptides administered without enzyme supplementation, highlighting the rapid hydrolytic activity of AMYNOPEP on polypeptides. AMYNOPEP achieved complete degradation of the 33-mer into single amino acids and dipeptides in vitro and significantly improved 33-mer degradation kinetics in healthy volunteers, as measured by labelled amino acid detection, warranting further investigation into the potential therapeutic benefits of exopeptidase combinations for patients with gluten-related health disorders including celiac disease.

Effects of fibrolytic and amylolytic compound enzyme preparation on rumen fermentation, serum parameters and production performance in primiparous early-lactation dairy cows.

This research communication reports the effects of a compound enzyme preparation consisting of fibrolytic (cellulase 3500 CU/g, xylanase 2000 XU/g, β-glucanase 17 500 GU/g) and amylolytic (amylase 37 000 AU/g) enzymes on nutrient intake, rumen fermentation, serum parameters and production performance in primiparous early-lactation (47 ± 2 d) dairy cows. Twenty Holstein-Friesian cows in similar body condition scores were randomly divided into control (CON, n = 10) and experimental (EXP, n = 10) groups in a completely randomized single-factor design. CON was fed a basal total mixed ration diet and EXP was dietary supplemented with compound enzyme preparation at 70 g/cow/d. The experiment lasted 4 weeks, with 3 weeks for adaptation and then 1 week for measurement. Enzyme supplementation significantly increased diet non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC) content as well as dry matter intake (DMI) and NFC intake (P < 0.05). EXP had increased ruminal butyrate and isobutyrate percentages (P < 0.01) but decreased propionate and valerate percentages (P < 0.05), as well as increased serum alkaline phosphatase activity and albumin concentration (P ≤ 0.01). Additionally, EXP had increased milk yield (0.97 kg/d), 4% fat corrected milk yield and energy corrected milk yield, as well as milk fat and protein yield (P < 0.01). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with a fibrolytic and amylolytic compound enzyme preparation increased diet NFC content, DMI and NFC intake, affected rumen fermentation by increasing butyrate proportion at the expense of propionate, and enhanced milk performance in primiparous early-lactation dairy cows.

The Effect of Phytase Enzyme in Feed on Growth Performance, Feed Utilization Efficiency, and Survival Rate of Milkfish (Chanos chanos) Fingerlings

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of phytase enzyme supplementation on the growth performance, feed utilization efficiency, and survival rate of milkfish fingerlings. The experimental fish used in this study were milkfish fingerlings with an average weight of 2.89±0.46 g per fish. The feed used in this research was a formulated pellet feed containing 30% protein, with added phytase enzyme. The treatments consisted of different phytase enzyme doses, namely A (0 mg/kg feed), B (250 mg/kg feed), C (500 mg/kg feed), and D (750 mg/kg feed). The results showed that different doses of phytase enzyme in the feed significantly affected (P&lt;0.05) growth performance and feed utilization efficiency but did not significantly affect (P&gt;0.05) the survival rate of milkfish fingerlings. The optimal dose of phytase enzyme for improving growth performance and feed utilization efficiency in milkfish fingerlings was between 502-665 mg/kg feed, resulting in a maximum total feed consumption (TFC) of 140.43 g, Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) of 1.18, feed efficiency (FE) of 78.16%, protein efficiency ratio (PER) of 2.6, and relative growth rate (RGR) of 4.43%.

Dietary manipulation through carbohydrase enzyme supplementation for broiler production in India

Dietary manipulation through carbohydrase enzyme supplementation for broiler production in India

Xylanase and phytase supplementation of Moringa oleifera diets: effects on the performance, egg quality and blood profile of laying hens

Context Moringa oleifera leaves present enormous potential as an alternative feedstuff for laying hens. The utilisation of the leaves can be improved by exogenous enzymes owing to the presence of non-starch polysaccharides and phytate. Aims This study evaluated the influence of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOL) in diets supplemented with xylanase and phytase on laying hen performance and egg quality at peak production. Methods In total, 288 Dekalb White laying hens (32 weeks old) were distributed in a completely randomised design, following a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement (with or without MOL × 4 enzyme supplementations). Each treatment comprised six repetitions, each containing six hens. The control diet was based on ground corn and soybean meal, and the treatment diets were supplemented with 5% MOL, followed by three enzyme additives (xylanase, phytase and a xylanase + phytase blend). Key results The enzyme supplementation in MOL diets positively influenced egg production (P = 0.012), egg weight (P = 0.021) and egg mass (P = 0.009). The birds offered xylanase-supplemented diets had higher feed intakes (P = 0.015) than did those fed other diets. Moringa oleifera increased the albumen height (P &lt; 0.001) and Haugh unit (P &lt; 0.001), whereas MOL and phytase improved eggshell thickness (P &lt; 0.001) and the candling score (P = 0.049), compared with treatments without phytase supplementation. MOL and enzyme supplementation improved yolk colour intensity (L, A and R parameters) and decreased plasma total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol concentrations. The inclusion of 5% MOL in diets did not impair laying performance. However, when MOL diets were supplemented with exogenous enzymes, there was an increase in egg weight. Conclusions MOL can be included at 5% in layer diets without affecting performance. When used in combination with xylanase and phytase, they improve performance, intensify yolk colour, and improve shell thickness, candling score, as well as serum biochemical profile. Implications These findings suggest that the combination of dietary MOL + xylanase + phytase can improve performance and egg quality in laying hens at peak production.

Effect of barley processing and enzyme supplementation on broiler performance, gut morphometry, and the occurrence of ascites syndrome in broiler chickens

Effect of barley processing and enzyme supplementation on broiler performance, gut morphometry, and the occurrence of ascites syndrome in broiler chickens

Influence of Various Methods of Processing Soybeans on Protein Digestibility and Reduction of Nitrogen Deposits in the Natural Environment – A Review

Abstract Soybean meal (SBM) is a significant source of protein for poultry due to its high concentration of protein and amino acids profile. The primary objective of SBM processing is the reduction and deactivation of anti-nutritional factors (ANFs) to enhance nutrient digestibility. However, eliminating ANFs does not necessarily correlate with increased protein and amino acid content. Several processing methods, such as soaking, cooking, and commercial techniques, improve SBM protein digestibility. To sustain feeding qualities, soybeans must undergo heating to remove inherent chemicals that interfere with poultry digestion. However, both under and over-processing can impair meal digestibility. Extrusion heating significantly contributes to protein and starch digestibility while reducing certain ANFs. Thermomechanical and enzyme-assisted procedures reduce heat-resistant proteins more efficiently than extraction methods, producing soy protein concentrate (SPC) and fermentation. These techniques reduce ANFs in SBM, activating digestive enzymes and alleviating digestive tract pressure, leading to decreased endogenous protein deficits. Exogenous enzyme supplementation is a biotechnological approach for enhancing the nutritional content of SBM and certain other protein-rich products. However, different processing methods not only affect protein digestibility but also impact poultry production, gastrointestinal health, and the environment due to higher nitrogen excrement. Ammonia (NH3) emissions are a significant environmental concern in chicken farming, resulting from uric acid production during protein consumption. It has a negative impact on the environment and the health of birds/humans. This review investigates the impact of several processing techniques on the digestibility of SBM protein and the reduction of N2 regarding one health concept. Future research should focus on identifying optimal processing methods maximizing protein digestibility while minimizing environmental nitrogen impacts.

FODMAP-Specific Enzyme Supplementation Reduces Food Avoidance & Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Real-World Prospective Study

FODMAP-Specific Enzyme Supplementation Reduces Food Avoidance & Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Real-World Prospective Study

Exogenous Cellulase Enzyme Supplementation in Complete Feed Based On Fermentation of Banana Stems for Nutritional Consumption of Beef Cattle

Exogenous Cellulase Enzyme Supplementation in Complete Feed Based On Fermentation of Banana Stems for Nutritional Consumption of Beef Cattle

The Combination of Proteolytic Enzyme Supplementation, Acupuncture, and Osseous Manipulation for the Treatment of Traumatic Peripheral Nerve Injury: A Case Report

This report describes the treatment of peripheral nerve injury in a 43-year-old woman using a combination of proteolytic enzymes, acupuncture, and osseous manipulation as alternatives to conventional care. Her presenting symptoms include complete loss of sensation in the superolateral left thigh and a mass of fibrotic scar tissue in the area of injury. A holistic treatment plan was created to address the underlying mechanisms of the injury. Plant-based proteolytic enzymes, bromelain and papain, were used to address tissue inflammation and reduce scar tissue formation around the nerve, acupuncture was used to regenerate the superficial nerves, and osseous manipulations were provided for structural re-alignment. After 8 weeks of treatment, the patient reported significant reduction in the size of the fibrotic mass and complete resolution of sensory loss. The fibrotic mass of tissue reduced from 6 cm to 1 cm during the treatment course. Proteolytic enzymes have wide-ranging indications; however, they have not been well studied for peripheral nerve injury, which makes this a novel indication for this natural health product. This case report found the use of proteolytic enzymes, and acupuncture, effective in treating peripheral nerve injury and provides grounds for research to treat nerve-related injuries.

PSI-26 Effects of particle size and enzyme supplementation on the energy value of field peas fed to growing pigs

Abstract An experiment was conducted to determine if particle size and enzyme supplementation affects the digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME), and net energy (NE) contents in field peas fed to growing pigs. Male weaned pigs [n = 30; TN70 × TN Tempo; body weight (BW) = 16.5 ± 0.4 kg] were assigned to 1 of 5 dietary treatments: 4 consisting of 50% peas and a corn-soybean meal basal diet. The experiment was carried out as a completely randomized design with treatments arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial design, based on two particle sizes (500μm, 700μm) and two levels of carbohydrase supplementation (0 g/mt, 1,000 g/mt) to give 6 replicates per treatment. Diets were formulated to meet or exceed NRC (2012) requirements. The study was carried out in 3 consecutive periods, each consisting of 15 d; the first 10 d were for adaptation, followed by 5 d of total fecal and urine collection (marker to marker procedure) to calculate DE and ME of diets. The energy content of peas was determined using the difference method. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. The model included the particle size, enzyme supplementation, and their interaction as a fixed effect. The period was included as a random effect. Least squares means for each treatment were adjusted using Tukey post-hoc test. Dry matter (DM), acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, gross energy, starch, ash, crude protein, and ether extract contents were analyzed to allow for the prediction of NE content of peas. There were no interactions between particle size and enzyme supplementation on dietary energy values. Also, no main effects of particle size and enzyme supplementation were observed. The average DE, ME, and predicted NE contents for peas were determined to be 3,848, 3,735, and 2,691 kcal/kg DM, respectively. In conclusion, enzyme supplementation and particle size did not influence the DE, ME, and NE contents of the peas.

PSVI-29 Effect of pig weight and exogenous enzyme supplementation on ileal endogenous amino acid losses and standardized ileal amino acid digestibility of soybean meal produced from Kentucky-grown soybeans

Abstract There is increasing interest in using locally sourced soybeans and soybean meal. Ileal amino acid digestibility (IAAD) of soybean meal from Kentucky-grown soybeans was evaluated in 25- and 50-kg cannulated pigs. The experiment used sixteen pigs in a randomized complete block design consisting of four treatments with 4 pigs per treatment. This was repeated in time resulting in eight replicates per treatment for both body weight (BW)groups. After cannulation at about 20 kg BW, all pigs were allowed to recover from the surgery and were fed a corn-SBM-based diet that met all nutrient and energy requirements. The experimental diets consisted of two nitrogen-free diets [NFD] with or without exogenous enzyme supplementation (phytase and a combination of phytase and carbohydrase enzymes) and two semi-purified diets containing soybean meal from Kentucky-grown soybeans as the only source of protein with or without exogenous enzyme supplementation. Each diet was fed for 7 consecutive d with 10-h ileal digesta collection on d 6 and 7. The same diets were fed to the same set of pigs at about 50 kg BW. Data were analyzed as a factorial arrangement of treatments (BW x diet) for ileal endogenous amino acid losses (IEAAL), apparent IAAD and standardized IAAD (SIAAD). Data from the NFD were used to determine the SIAAD from the AIAAD values. Exogenous enzyme supplementation increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) IEAAL except for Gly and Pro while samples collected during phase 2 had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) IEAAL (10 amino acids). Pig BW did not influence IEAAL. Enzyme supplementation did not increase AIAAD except for Arg, Ala, Gly, N, and total AA while apparent ileal N, Met, Thr, and Val digestibility was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in 50 kg pigs. Interactions between BW and diets showed that 50 kg pigs fed the SBM diet containing enzyme supplementation had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) N, Arg, and total AA digestibility compared with 50 kg pigs without enzyme supplementation. Digestibility of Val and Asp was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in samples collected during phase 2. After correction for basal IEAAL, 50 kg pigs had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) SIAAD values for 12 of the AA analyzed while exogenous enzyme supplementation resulted in greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) SIAAD for 9 of the AA analyzed. The SIAAD values for four AA (His, Phe, Val, and Asp) were greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) for samples collected in phase 2. Results from this study showed that exogenous enzyme supplementation increased IEAAL and that IAAD of SBM produced from Kentucky-cultivated soybeans was high and that exogenous enzyme supplementation improved the SIAAD values of several amino acids. The IAAD values of SBM produced from soybeans cultivated in KY was high and are similar to values reported in the literature.

492 Effects of particle size and protease supplementation on amino acids digestibility in peas fed to growing pigs

Abstract This study aimed to determine the effects of particle size and protease supplementation on amino acid (AA) digestibility in peas fed to growing pigs. A total of 8 barrows (65.9 ± 5.0 kg initial body weight), each fitted with a T-cannula in the distal ileum, were allocated in an 8 × 7 incomplete Latin square design. Eight experimental diets were arranged in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design, consisting of two varieties of field peas (Amarillo, Meadow peas), two particle sizes (400, 700 μm), and without or with protease supplementation (0, 250 g/ton). The Amarillo and Meadow peas were similar in crude protein (20.6 vs 21.3%). Field peas were included in the diets as the only source of AA, with a 96.1% inclusion rate. All diets contained 0.3% titanium dioxide as an indigestible marker. A casein diet was used to estimate basal endogenous N and AA losses. The experiment was conducted for seven consecutive periods. Each experimental period lasted 7 d, including 5 d of adaptation and the last 2 d for ileal digesta collection from 0800 to 1700 h. Data were analyzed using the PROC MIXED of SAS. The statistical model included variety, enzyme, particle size, and their interaction as fixed effects, and replication, animal within replication, and period within replication as random effects. There was no 3-way interaction between variety, enzyme supplementation, and particle size on apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of AA in diets. Moreover, there were no differences in AID and SID between different varieties of field peas except for Cys where AID (66.2 vs 63.4%) and SID (71.9 vs 69.0%) were greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in Amarillo peas than in Meadow peas. Similarly, no difference was found between the diets with and without enzyme supplementation except for AID of Pro (71.9 vs 75.4%), which was less (P &amp;lt; 0.05) when protease was included. Also, no effects of particle size were observed except for SID of Ala (80.0 vs 77.0%), which was greater as particle size was reduced to 400 μm. The average SID values for essential AA were Arg (88.3%), His (80.9%), Ile (77.7%), Leu (78.7%), Lys (83.9%), Met (75.8%), Phe (79.3%), Thr (72.9%) and Val (74.9%). In conclusion, the variety of field peas, enzyme supplementation, or particle size did not affect the AID and SID of the field peas, and no interaction was observed among the factors. Future studies will investigate dose-response relationships to determine whether the observed enzyme effect was due to inadequate ratios between enzyme and substrate.

376 Effects of multi-carbohydrase and protease supplementation on ileal digestibility of amino acids in expeller-pressed canola meal fed to growing pigs

Abstract Expeller-pressed canola meal (ECM) is a co-product obtained from expeller-pressing canola seeds to obtain canola oil, and it has potential as a cost-effective feedstuff in swine diets. Also, ECM may be a superior protein source compared with solvent-extracted canola meal due to its greater digestible amino acid (AA) contents. However, limited information is available on the effects of enzyme supplementation on AA digestibility in ECM for pigs. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effects of multi-carbohydrase (MC) and protease supplementation on the apparent (AID) and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of AA in ECM when fed to growing pigs. A total of 12 barrows (65.9 ± 5.0 kg initial body weight), each fitted with a T-cannula in the distal ileum, were allocated for 2 studies: the current study (4 treatments) and another study with 8 treatments. Pigs were arranged in a 12 × 6 incomplete Latin square design with 12 diets and 6 periods, resulting in 6 observations per dietary treatment. Four dietary treatments were: 1) basal ECM diet; 2) ECM diet with MC supplementation (1 kg/tonne); 3) ECM diet with protease supplementation (250 g/tonne); and 4) ECM diet with both MC and protease supplementation. A casein diet was fed to all 12 pigs for 1 wk after feeding experimental treatments to quantify endogenous losses of AA. All diets contained 0.3% titanium dioxide as an indigestible marker. Pigs were fed 1 of the 4 diets during each of the 7-d periods, and ileal digesta were collected on d 6 and 7 from 0800 to 1700 h. Pigs were fed the diets at 2.8 times maintenance energy requirement based on their body weight at the beginning of each period. Data were analyzed using the PROC MIXED of SAS. The statistical model included MC, protease, and their interaction as fixed effects, and replication, animal within replication, and period within replication as random effects. Protease supplementation did not affect AID or SID of AA in ECM. Similarly, no significant differences were observed in MC supplementation on AID and SID of AA, except for a significant increase (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in the AID of Gly with MC supplementation compared with the non-supplemented diet. No interactive effects were found between MC and protease supplementation on the AID and SID of AA in growing pigs. In conclusion, the digestibility of AA in ECM fed to growing pigs with and without enzyme supplementation did not differ, and no interactive effects were observed. Future studies will aim to investigate the dose-effect to accurately determine whether the absence of an effect was attributable to improper enzyme-to-substrate ratio.

Improving mannanase production in Bacillus subtilis for fibre hydrolysis during solid-state fermentation of palm kernel meal

The primary challenge in utilizing palm kernel meal (PKM, an agricultural by-product) as non-ruminant livestock feed is its high fibre content, predominantly in the form of mannan. Microbial fermentation offers an economically favourable alternative to enzyme supplementation for breaking down fibre in lignocellulosic biomass. In a recent study, our group isolated a B. subtilis strain F6 with a fast response time for mannanase production upon exposure to PKM. This work focuses on improving the mannanase production of the B. subtilis strain to achieve greater fibre hydrolysis of PKM without extending fermentation time. Mannanase GmuG, sourced from B. subtilis F6 and verified for its hydrolytic activity on PKM fibre, was homologously expressed using a replicative plasmid (pBE-S). Enzyme production was systematically improved by optimizing various regulatory elements, including the promoter, ribosome binding site, and signal peptide. Consequently, the neutral detergent fibre content of PKM was substantially reduced by 36.4 % in 22 h of solid-state fermentation using the engineered strain. Lastly, the highest mannanase-producing strain was examined for scaled-up fermentation. The impacts of fermentation on fibre and protein contents, as well as the surface morphology of PKM, were analysed. The outcomes of this study offer an efficient method for robust mannanase expression in B. subtilis and its potential application in the biotransformation of PKM and other mannan-rich bioresources for improved feed utilization.

Selection strategy for endoscopic necrosectomy approaches of infected walled-off pancreatic necrosis: Analysis of 101 patients from a single center with long-term follow-up.

Endoscopic necrosectomy (EN) is a promising minimally invasive approach for treating infected walled-off pancreatic necrosis (WOPN). Multiple EN approaches are currently available, though criteria for selecting the optimal approaches are lacking. We aimed to propose a rational selection strategy of EN and to retrospectively evaluate its safety and effectiveness. Altogether 101 patients who underwent EN for infected WOPN at a tertiary hospital between June 2009 and February 2023 were retrospectively included for analysis. Demographic characteristics, details of the EN procedures, procedure-related adverse events, and clinical outcomes were investigated. Among these 101 patients with WOPN, 56 (55.4%) underwent transluminal EN, 38 (37.6%) underwent percutaneous EN, and seven (6.9%) underwent combined approach, respectively. Clinical success was achieved in 94 (93.1%) patients. Seven (6.9%) experienced procedure-related adverse events, and seven (6.9%) died during the treatment period. During a median follow-up of 50 months, 5 (5.3%) of the 94 patients had disease recurrence, 17.0% (16/94) had new-onset diabetes mellitus, and 6.4% (6/94) needed oral pancreatic enzyme supplementation. The clinical success rate, procedure-related adverse event rate, and long-term follow-up outcomes were not significantly different among the three groups. High APACHE-II scores (≥15) and organ failure were identified as factors related to treatment failure. A selection strategy for EN approaches, based on the extent of necrosis and its distance from the gastrointestinal lumen (using a threshold of 15 mm), is safe and effective for treating infected WOPN in both short-term and long-term outcomes.

Cocoa Pod Husk Meal as a Feed Ingredient for Livestock

ABSTRACTCocoa pod husk (CPH) is a by‐product of cocoa. Whilst this by‐product is converted into animal feed in some countries, it is largely left to decompose and cause environmental issues in most South Pacific countries, including Vanuatu. The husk represent 70%–80% of the whole fruit. Its use as animal feed is limited by the presence of antinutritional factors, of which, theobromine is the most prominent. Other antinutritional factors include tannin and phytate. Feeding value of the CPH is improved by reducing these antinutritional factors through broiling, alkaline, and microbial treatment. Exogenous feed enzymes are used to hydrolyze crude fiber. Up to 10% of this by‐product is included in broiler feed and 15% with supplementation of exogenous feed enzymes in layer feed. In pigs, up to 20% can be included into diets of both the sow and growing pig. In ruminants, up to 35% can be used in cattle diet if treated with urea, molasses and/or fermented. The by‐product is widely used as an ingredient and/or energy/protein sources in Africa and Asia. There is scanty literature on its use in the South Pacific countries. In this review, I compiled existing literature on its chemical composition, use in livestock and poultry diets, and existing strategies to improve feeding value. The aim of this review is to project cocoa pod husk meal (CPHM) as a potential feed ingredient as well as energy/protein sources for livestock and poultry in the South Pacific countries, including Vanuatu.

Suitability of raw and heat-treated Amaranthus spinosus in broiler diets: Effects on growth performance, meat antioxidant capacity, haemato-biochemical parameters, intestinal histomorphometry, and cecal volatile fatty acid profile

This study aimed to examine the effects of incorporating amaranth (Amaranthus spinosus, either raw or heat-treated) into broiler diets on growth performance, meat antioxidant capacity, haemato-biochemical parameters, intestinal histomorphometry, and cecal volatile fatty acid profile. A total of 210 male Ross 308 broiler chicks were allocated to five dietary treatments in a completely randomized design, with each treatment comprising six replicates of seven birds each. The control group received a diet based on maize and soybean meal, while the remaining dietary groups were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isocaloric to the control, with exact levels of 10% and 20% raw or heat-treated amaranth in the diet. Body weight and feed intake were monitored on days 0, 10, 24, and 39 of the study. On day 39, two birds per replicate were randomly selected for blood sampling, followed by slaughtering for further parameter examination. Incorporating A. spinosus up to 20% in broiler diets had no adverse effect on body weight gain compared to the control. However, higher levels of amaranth led to a negative impact on the feed conversion ratio, attributed to increased feed intake. Furthermore, amaranth supplementation did not negatively influence carcass yield or various organ weights, except for the gizzard, which was heavier in the amaranth-fed groups. Notably, amaranth supplementation reduced abdominal fat, enhanced meat antioxidant status, and had no detrimental effects on blood biochemical or hematological indices. Additionally, amaranth feeding resulted in decreased blood triglyceride levels but had no effect on cholesterol levels. While heat treatment of amaranth did not significantly alter the performance of broiler chickens, it enhanced the beneficial effects of amaranth feeding on the histomorphological features of the duodenum and ileum, and increased blood IgG levels. The cecal volatile fatty acid profile remained largely unaffected by amaranth inclusion, although heat-treated amaranth led to increased levels of branched-chain fatty acids and valerate. Overall, the findings suggest A. spinosus as a promising alternative feed ingredient for broilers when included at 10% of the diet. However, further research is needed to investigate the effect of various amaranth species, processing methods and enzyme supplementation on poultry nutrition to expand its inclusion rate.

Acute physiological effects on macromolecule digestion following oral ingestion of the enzyme blend Elevase® in individuals that had undergone an ileostomy, but were otherwise healthy-a randomized, double blinded, placebo-controlled exploratory study.

Digestive enzymes can selectively degrade proteins, carbohydrates and lipids; and their supplementation alongside food may accelerate the breakdown of complex food matrices, facilitate greater nutrient absorption, decrease food sensitivities and aid in the management of certain disease states. Several intrinsic and extrinsic factors govern food digestion and for every individual this phenomenon is unique. This study was conducted as a randomized, crossover, placebo-controlled design where each participant served as their own control. This post-hoc analysis investigated the impact of a dietary enzyme supplementation blend known as Elevase® on dietary macromolecule digestion in samples from otherwise healthy participants that had previously undergone a small bowel resection, resulting in an ileostomy (NCT04489810). This is the first time this study-paradigm has been used for the assessment of in vivo dietary breakdown following enzyme supplementation. Arguably, this technique offers superior data when compared to that generated in artificial gut digestion models, preclinical animal models, or indeed conventional clinical studies using stool analyses, as it allows real-time access to samples in situ in the small intestine where the majority of nutritional absorption takes place. It was demonstrated that after 4 h, Elevase® significantly increased monosaccharide levels (predominantly glucose and fructose) in the ileostomy samples taken from the same individuals on the same diet on a different day. In addition, the bile salt taurohyodeoxycholic acid was also increased, suggesting a physiological host response to the macromolecule digestion induced by the enzymatic blend. Overall, these findings suggest Elevase® could accelerate food digestion and potentially increase nutrient availability from the diet.