Wheat-based Diets Research Articles

Phosphorus digestibility and phytate degradation in pigs fed wheat-based diets with different intrinsic phytase activity and added microbial phytase

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of variation in wheat-derived phytase activity on myo-inositol 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexakis (dihydrogen phosphate) (InsP6) degradation, inositol phosphate (InsP) isomer concentration and phosphorus (P) digestibility in pigs fed wheat-based diets. Additional effects of a microbial phytase supplementation were also studied. Three wheat genotypes (W1-W3) with an analysed phytase activity between 2760 and 3700 FTU/kg were used to formulate four experimental diets that included soybean meal and rapeseed meal but did not contain a mineral P supplement. DietW1-DietW3 only differed in the included wheat genotypes (W1-W3) at an inclusion level of 400 g/kg. DietW3+ contained W3 and a commercial 6-phytase supplementation at 500 FTU/kg diet. Eight barrows with an initial body weight of 27 kg were fitted with a simple T-cannula at the distal ileum and assigned to the four dietary treatments in a completely randomised row column design. The experiment included four periods of 12 d each. The first 5 d of each period were for diet adaptation, followed by collection of faeces (4 d), ileal digesta (2 d), and blood (last day). In DietW1-DietW3, the mean precaecal (pc) InsP6 disappearance was 48% and the mean pc P digestibility was 37% without a significant effect of the wheat genotype. The InsP6 disappearance measured in the faeces was close to complete in all treatments, and faecal P digestibility was not significantly affected by the wheat genotype (36% overall). The addition of microbial phytase caused a significant increase in pc InsP6 degradation (to 79%) and pc and total tract P digestibility (to 53% and 52%, respectively). The concentration of InsP6 degradation products in ileal digesta was not significantly affected by the wheat genotype, except for that of Ins(1,2,3,4,6)P5 and myo-inositol, which were higher in DietW3 than in DietW1 and DietW2. The added microbial phytase significantly reduced the concentration of InsP5 isomers in the ileal digesta and increased the concentrations of lower InsP isomers and myo-inositol. There were no significant effects of the added microbial phytase on pc amino acid digestibility; however, the wheat genotype exerted significant effects on the pc digestibility of Cys, Gly and Val. It was concluded that an increase in the intrinsic phytase activity of wheat achieved by crossbreeding was not reflected in InsP6 degradation and P digestibility in pigs fed wheat-based diets.

Characterisation of undigested components throughout the gastrointestinal tract of broiler chickens fed either a wheat- or maize-based diet.

This study was to characterise the undigested nutrients present along the gastrointestinal tract of birds offered common wheat- or maize-based diets, with the goal of optimising utilisation of enzymes to enhance digestive efficiency. Wheat- and maize-based diets were offered to 240 mixed-sex broilers (10 birds/pen; n = 12) from 1 to 35 d post–hatch. Digestibility of dry matter, starch, crude protein and non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) were measured in the crop, gizzard, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, caeca and excreta at d 12 and 35 post–hatch. Analysis of nutrient levels in the excreta presented that more than 30% of nutrients provided in the feed was wasted, irrespective of wheat or maize diet type. On average, 92 g/kg crude protein, 92 g/kg insoluble NSP and 14 g/kg oligosaccharides were not utilised by birds at d 12 post–hatch. The quantity of water-insoluble NSP in the small intestine at d 12 was lower in birds offered the wheat-based diet compared to those fed the maize-based diet (P < 0.05), with the reverse being true for water-soluble NSP (P < 0.001). On average, 84 g/kg crude protein, 79 g/kg insoluble NSP and 9 g/kg oligosaccharides remained in the excreta at 35 d of age. At this time period, accumulation of feed in the gizzard was noted for birds offered both diets, but was more pronounced in those offered the maize-based diet (P < 0.001). Birds offered the maize-based diet demonstrated improved utilisation of oligosaccharides compared to those fed the wheat-based diet at both d 12 and 35 (P = 0.087 and P = 0.047, respectively). Protein utilisation in the jejunum and ileum was greater in birds offered the wheat-based diet compared to those fed the maize-based diet (P = 0.004 and P < 0.001, respectively). Thus, while both diets supported standard growth performance of birds, the degree and flow of nutrient disappearance along the gastrointestinal tract was influenced by cereal type and bird age.

Effects of protease supplementation and diet type on jejunal and ileal digestibility and total tract metabolisability of nitrogen, starch, and energy in broilers

ABSTRACT 1. A study was conducted to assess the effects of supplemental protease (0 or 15,000 units/kg) and diet type (maize- or wheat-based) on apparent jejunal and ileal digestibility and apparent total tract metabolisability of nutrients in Cobb 500 mixed-sex broilers from 6 to 31 d of age. 2. Birds were randomly distributed into 56 metabolism cages (6 birds/cage; 14 replicates/treatment). At 22 d of age, jejunal and ileal digesta contents were collected and pooled from 4 birds/cage to determine apparent digestibility coefficients (DC) and digestible energy (DE). Feed intake was measured, and total excreta were collected from 8 to 11 and 18 to 21 d of age to determine apparent metabolisable energy (AME) and total tract nitrogen and starch metabolisability coefficients. 3. Broilers offered the maize-based diet with protease had greater (P < 0.05) jejunal nitrogen DC, starch DC, and DE (8.2, 6.5, and 14.9%, respectively) and ileal nitrogen DC and DE (5.1 and 6.8%, respectively) than those offered the maize-based diet without protease. Ileal starch DC was increased (P < 0.05) by 1.1% with protease supplementation. 4. Broilers offered maize-based diets had greater (P < 0.05) nitrogen (7.3%) and starch (0.6%) metabolisability coefficients and AME (4.7%) from 8 to 11 d of age, and nitrogen (4.3%) metabolisability coefficients and AME (2.0%) from 18 to 21 d of age compared with those offered wheat-based diets. 5. Thus, protease supplementation and diet type can affect digestive dynamics and nutrient utilisation in broilers.

Effects of Xylanase in Corn- or Wheat-Based Diets on Cecal Microbiota of Broilers.

Xylanase has been demonstrated to improve growth performance of broilers fed wheat- or corn-based diets due to its ability to degrade arabinoxylans (AX). However, content and structure of AX in corn and wheat are different, comparing effects of xylanase on cecal microbiota of broilers fed corn- or wheat-based diets could further elaborate the mechanism of the specificity of xylanase for different cereal grains. Thus, a total of 192 one-day-old broilers were randomly allotted into four dietary treatments, including wheat-soybean basal diet, wheat-soybean basal diet with 4,000U/kg xylanase, corn-soybean basal diet, and corn-soybean basal diet with 4,000U/kg xylanase to evaluate interactive effects of xylanase in corn- or wheat-based diets on broilers cecal microbiota during a 6-week production period. The results indicated that bacterial community clustering was mainly due to cereal grains rather than xylanase supplementation. Compared with broilers fed wheat-based diets, corn-based diets increased alpha-diversity and separated from wheat-based diets (p<0.05). Xylanase modulated the abundance of specific bacteria without changing overall microbial structure. In broilers fed wheat-based diets, xylanase increased the abundance of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and some butyrate-producing bacteria, and decreased the abundance of non-starch polysaccharides-degrading (NSP) bacteria, such as Ruminococcaceae and Bacteroidetes (p<0.05). In broilers fed corn-based diets, xylanase decreased the abundance of harmful bacteria (such as genus Faecalitalea and Escherichia-Shigella) and promoted the abundance of beneficial bacteria (such as Anaerofustis and Lachnospiraceae_UCG_010) in the cecum (p<0.05). Overall, xylanase supplementation to wheat- or corn-based diets improved broilers performance and cecal microbiota composition. Xylanase supplementation to wheat-based diets increased the abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria and decreased the abundance of NSP-degrading bacteria. Moreover, positive effects of xylanase on cecal microbiota of broilers fed corn-based diets were mostly related to the inhibition of potentially pathogenic bacteria, and xylanase supplementation to corn-based diets slightly affected the abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria and NSP-degrading bacterium, the difference might be related to lower content of AX in corn compared to wheat.

PSXVI-2 Response of ileal microbiota composition and immunity function to xylanase supplementation in broilers fed wheat-based diets

Abstract A total of 112 one-day-old broilers (initial BW 48.03 ± 0.33 g) were selected to investigate effects of xylanase (AT-xynA) on growth performance, ileal morphology, microbiota composition, immune response, antioxidant capacity and endocrine peptide levels in broilers [Founded by NSFC (31772612)]. Broilers were randomly allotted into 2 dietary treatments (n = 7) including a wheat-soybean basal diet (CON), and a basal diet with 4,000 U/kg AT-xynA (XY). On d 7, 14, 21 and 42, broilers were weighted and ileal tissues were sampled. Ileal digesta samples were collected for analyzing microbiota composition on d 21 and 42. The results showed that AT-xynA could improve average daily weight gain and average daily feed intake, and there were interactions between diet and age of broilers (P &amp;lt; 0.05). On d 21 and 42, xylanase supplementation could decrease ileal microbiota α-diversity, the relative abundance of potentially pathogenic microbiota such as phyla Proteobacteria, family Moraxellaceae, Staphylococcaceae, genus Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, and increased the abundance of Lactobacillus (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Moreover, the reduction in acetate concentration and abundance of short chain fatty acid producing bacteria was also observed in broilers from XY group (P &amp;lt; 0.05). AT-xynA could increase ileal villus height, glucagon-like peptide-1 and insulin-like growth factor-1 concentrations, decreased interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α and malondialdehyde content in broilers from XY group, and these positive effects on intestinal health were greater in young broilers. In conclusion, xylanase supplementation to wheat-based diets could improve intestinal health, and the positive effects of xylanase supplementation were more pronounced in young broilers, thus contributing to subsequent improvements in growth performance of broilers.

Supplemental protease with phytase and xylanase and cereal grain source affected nutrient digestibility and performance of broilers

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplemental protease and cereal grain type on nutrient digestibility (jejunum and ileum) and performance of broilers offered diets with reduced amino acid concentrations and supplemental xylanase and phytase. A total of 624 male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly distributed into 48 floor pens (13 chicks/pen; 0.07 m2/bird) and offered one of six dietary treatments with eight replicates per treatment. Dietary treatments were either maize- or wheat-based with a positive control (PC) reference diet, a negative control diet without protease (NC; 60 g/kg lower amino acid density than PC), and an NC diet with protease. The reduction in amino acid density affected (P&lt;0.05) nutrient digestibility by varying degrees depending on cereal grain source. At 14 d of age, cereal grain and protease showed a significant interaction (P&lt;0.05) which affected jejunal and ileal starch digestibility, whereby protease increased digestibility in birds fed wheat-based diets but not in those fed maize-based diets. Cereal grain source affected (P&lt;0.05) nitrogen (jejunum and ileum) and digestible energy (DE; ileum), where birds fed wheat-based diets had higher digestibility than those fed maize-based diets. At 28 d of age, birds fed wheat-based diets had a higher (P&lt;0.01) jejunal and ileal nitrogen digestibility, whereas protease reduced ileal nitrogen digestion. Protease affected ileal starch digestion in birds fed wheat, but not maize-based diets, resulting in a significant cereal grain × protease interaction (P&lt;0.05). Wheat-based diets had a higher DE than maize-based diets in both the jejunum and ileum. From 15 to 35 d of age, cereal grain source (P&lt;0.05) affected performance, whereby broilers offered maize-based diets had better performance than those fed wheat-based diets.

Beneficial effects of a T. monococcum wheat cultivar on diabetes incidence evaluated in non-obese diabetic mice and after in vitro simulated gastroduodenal digestion

Wheat consumption can represent one of the nutritional factors involved in the onset of diabetes. We specifically investigated the potential diabetogenic effects of Hammurabi, a T. monococcum wheat cultivar, in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice and analysed the levels of resistant starch in pasta manufactured with Hammurabi after in vitro gastroduodenal digestion. NOD mice were fed with Hammurabi, bread wheat or rice flour to evaluate diabetes incidence and insulitis score. An enzymatic method was applied to compare the content of resistant starch in Hammurabi pasta and durum wheat pasta (control). In NOD mice, the Hammurabi-based diet significantly delayed diabetes onset (p = 0.0042) and reduced insulitis score compared to rice or wheat-based diet. Furthermore, the resistant starch value following in vitro digestion of Hammurabi pasta was significantly higher (4.08%) than that of durum wheat pasta (2.28%). Taken together, these results highlighted the potential positive effects of the Hammurabi-based diet on diabetes incidence.

Evaluation of performance, nutrients digestibility, and immune system responses in broiler chickens fed on wheat-based diet supplemented with different levels of vitamin A

Evaluation of performance, nutrients digestibility, and immune system responses in broiler chickens fed on wheat-based diet supplemented with different levels of vitamin A

Greenhouse gases and performance of growing pigs fed wheat-based diets containing wheat millrun and a multi-carbohydrase enzyme.

The objective of this project was to determine the impact of feeding growing pigs with high wheat millrun diets supplemented with a multi-carbohydrase enzyme (amylase, cellulase, glucanase, xylanase, and invertase activities) on nutrient digestibility, growth performance, and greenhouse gas (GHG) output (carbon dioxide, CO2; nitrous oxide, N2O; methane, CH4). Three experiments were conducted utilizing six treatments arranged as a 3 × 2 factorial (0%, 15%, or 30% wheat millrun; with or without enzyme) for the digestibility experiment or as a 2 × 2 factorial (0% or 30% wheat millrun; with or without enzyme) for the performance and GHG experiments. The digestibility, performance, and GHG experiments utilized 48 individually housed pigs, 180 pigs housed 5 per pen, or 96 pigs housed 6 per chamber, respectively. Increasing wheat millrun up to 30% in the diet of growing pigs resulted in decreased energy, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) apparent total tract digestibility and net energy content (P < 0.01). Overall, average daily gain (ADG) and gain to feed ratio were reduced in pigs fed wheat millrun (P < 0.05). Enzyme supplementation had minimal effects on the digestibility or performance parameters measured. Feeding diets with 30% millrun did not affect GHG output (CH4: 4.7 and 4.9; N2O: 0.45 and 0.42; CO2: 1,610 and 1,711 mg/s without or with millrun inclusion, respectively; P > 0.78). Enzyme supplementation had no effect on GHG emissions (CH4: 4.5 and 5.1; N2O: 0.46 and 0.42; CO2: 1,808 and 1,513 mg/s without or with enzymes, respectively; P > 0.51). Overall, the carbohydrase enzyme had minimal effects on parameters measured, regardless of wheat millrun inclusion (P > 0.10). Although energy, N and P digestibility, and ADG were reduced, the inclusion of up to 30% wheat millrun in the diet has no effect on GHG emissions from growing pigs (P > 0.10).

Influence of barley inclusion method and protease supplementation on growth performance, nutrient utilisation, and gastrointestinal tract development in broiler starters.

The influence of the method of barley inclusion (fine, coarse and whole barley) in a wheat-based diet and protease supplementation (0 and 0.20 g/kg) on growth performance, nutrient utilisation and gastrointestinal tract development of broilers (d 1 to 21) was evaluated in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement. Whole barley (WB) grains were ground in a hammer mill to pass through the screen sizes of 2.5 and 8.0 mm to achieve fine (FB) and coarse (CB) barley particle sizes, respectively. A total of 288, one-day-old male broilers were allotted to 36 cages (6 cages/treatment; 8 birds/cage). There was no significant (P > 0.05) interaction between barley inclusion method and protease for any growth performance or nutrient utilisation parameters. Birds fed diets containing CB and WB showed higher (P < 0.05) weight gain, and digestibility of dry matter, nitrogen, calcium, gross energy, and ileal digestible energy compared to those fed FB diets. Compared to the birds fed FB diets, feed per gain was lower (P < 0.05) in birds fed diets made of WB. Fat digestibility of the birds fed CB was higher (P < 0.05) than those fed FB and WB birds. Compared to FB and CB diets, inclusion of WB resulted in heavier (P < 0.05) gizzards but reduced (P < 0.05) gizzard pH. Supplemental protease, however, had no effects (P > 0.05) on growth performance and nutrient utilisation, most likely due to the well balanced digestible amino acids and high inherent digestibility of protein in the basal diet, and/or the presence of exogenous carbohydrase and phytase. In conclusion, the present results showed that the inclusion of coarsely ground and whole barley in a wheat-based diet can enhance nutrient and energy utilisation and is beneficial to the growth performance of young broilers.

Implications of excreta uric acid concentrations in broilers offered reduced-crude protein diets and dietary glycine requirements for uric acid synthesis.

In a previous experiment, male Ross 308 broiler chickens were offered dietary treatments with 3 levels of crude protein (222, 193, 165 g/kg) and 3 feed grains (ground maize, ground wheat, whole wheat) from 7 to 35 d post–hatch. Maize-based diets supported superior growth performance in comparison to wheat-based diets. Uric acid concentrations in excreta were retrospectively determined and related to total nitrogen (N) excreta concentrations. Uric acid concentrations ranged from 28.5 to 69.4 mg/g and proportions of uric acid-N to total excreta-N ranged from 27.4% to 42.6% in broiler chickens offered the 3 × 3 factorial array of dietary treatments. Proportions of uric acid-N to total N in excreta in birds offered the 165 g/kg CP, maize-based diet were significantly lower by 10.6 percentage units (27.4% versus 38.0%; P = 0.00057) than their wheat-based counterparts. Total excreta analysed had been collected from 35 to 37 d post–hatch when feed intakes and excreta outputs were monitored. There were linear relationships between proportions of uric acid-N to total N in excreta in birds offered the three 165 g/kg CP diets with weight gain (r = −0.587; P = 0.010), feed intake (r = −0.526; P = 0.025) and feed conversion ratios (r = 0.635; P = 0.005). The possibility that increasing uric acid-N proportions in excreta is indicative of excessive ammonia accumulations compromising growth performance is discussed. The mean proportion of dietary glycine involved in uric acid excretion was 49.2% across all dietary treatments but ranged from 25.0% to 80.9%. Thus, the appropriate amount of dietary glycine is variable and largely dependent on the volume of uric acid synthesised and excreted.

Effect of a carbohydrase admixture in growing pigs fed wheat-based diets in thermoneutral and heat stress conditions.

The efficacy of exogenous carbohydrases in pig diets has been suggested to depend on enzyme activity and dietary fiber composition, but recent evidence suggests other factors such as ambient temperature might be important as well. Therefore, we investigated the effect of heat stress (HS) on the efficacy of a multienzyme carbohydrase blend in growing pigs. Ninety-six (barrows: gilts; 1:1) growing pigs with initial body weight (BW) of 20.15 ± 0.18 kg were randomly assigned to six treatments, with eight replicates of two pigs per pen in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement: three levels of carbohydrase (0, 1X, or 2X) at two environmental temperatures (20 °C or cyclical 28 °C nighttime and 35 °C day time). The 1X dose (50 g/tonne) provided 1,250 viscosimetry unit (visco-units) endo-β-1,4-xylanase, 4,600 units α-l-arabinofuranosidase and 860 visco-units endo-1,3(4)-β-glucanase per kilogram of feed. Pigs were fed ad libitum for 28 d and 1 pig per pen was sacrificed on day 28. There was no enzyme × temperature interaction on any response criteria; thus, only main effects are reported. Enzyme treatment quadratically increased (P < 0.05) BW on day 28, average daily gain (ADG) (P < 0.05), and average daily feed intake (ADFI) (P < 0.05) with the 1X level being highest. HS reduced the BW at day 14 (P < 0.01) and day 28 (P < 0.01), ADG (P < 0.01), and ADFI (P<0.001). There was a trend of increased feed efficiency (G:F) (P < 0.1) in the HS pigs. HS increased apparent jejunal digestibility of energy (P < 0.05) and apparent ileal digestibility of calcium (P < 0.01). At day 1, HS reduced serum glucose (P < 0.001) but increased nonesterified fatty acid (P < 0.01). In the jejunum, there was a trend of increased villi height by carbohydrases (P < 0.1), whereas HS reduced villi height (P < 0.05). HS increased the jejunal mRNA abundance of IL1β in the jejunum (P < 0.001). There was a trend for a reduction in ileal MUC2 (P < 0.1) and occludin (P < 0.1) by HS, and a trend for increased PEPT1 (P < 0.1). There was no effect of HS on alpha diversity and beta diversity of the fecal microbiome, but there was an increase in the abundance of pathogenic bacteria in the HS group. In conclusion, HS did not alter the efficacy of carbohydrases. This suggests that carbohydrases and HS modulate pig performance independently.

Changes in Growth Performance and Ileal Microbiota Composition by Xylanase Supplementation in Broilers Fed Wheat-Based Diets.

Xylanase exerts key roles in improving growth performance and intestinal health of broilers fed wheat-based diets. However, knowledge is limited regarding effects of xylanase supplementation on ileal microbiota in broilers. A total of 128 one-day-old broilers (initial BW 48.03 ± 0.33 g) were selected to investigate effects of xylanase (AT-xynA) on growth performance, ileal morphology, microbiota composition, immune response, antioxidant capacity, and endocrine peptide levels in broilers. Broilers were randomly allotted into two dietary treatments (n = 8), namely, a wheat-soybean basal diet and a basal diet with 4,000 U/kg AT-xynA (XY). On days 7, 14, 21, and 42, broilers were weighted and ileal tissues were sampled. Ileal digesta samples were collected for analyzing microbiota composition on days 21 and 42. The results showed that AT-xynA could improve average daily weight gain and average daily feed intake, and there were interactions between diet and age of broilers (p < 0.05). On days 21 and 42, xylanase supplementation decreased ileal microbiota α-diversity, and the relative abundance of potentially pathogenic microbiota, such as phylum Proteobacteria, family Moraxellaceae and Staphylococcaceae, genus Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, Streptococcus, and Enterococcus, increased the abundance of Lactobacillus (p < 0.05). Moreover, the reduction in acetate concentration and abundance of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria was also observed in broilers from XY group (p < 0.05). AT-xynA increased ileal villus height, glucagon-like peptide-1, and insulin-like growth factor-1 concentrations and decreased interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and malondialdehyde content in broilers, and these positive effects on intestinal health were greater in young broilers. In conclusion, xylanase supplementation to wheat-based diets could improve ileal intestinal morphology and immune function, and alleviate excess fermentation of bacteria, which may be related to changes of intestinal microbiota. In addition, the positive effects of xylanase on intestinal health were more pronounced in young broilers, thus contributing to subsequent improvement in growth performance of broilers.

Effects of L-arginine and L-citrulline supplementation in reduced protein diets for broilers under normal and cyclic warm temperature.

Heat stress causes significant economic losses in the broiler industry. Dietary supplementation of arginine (Arg) and citrulline (Cit) might increase the performance of broilers raised under warm temperature due to vasodilation effects. This study investigated the effects of L-Arg or L-Cit supplementation in broilers fed a reduced protein wheat-based diet deficient in Arg under thermoneutral (NT) and cyclic warm temperature (WT). Ross 308 cockerels (n = 720) were randomly allocated to 4 dietary treatments with 12 replicates of 15 birds per pen from d 7 to 21. The 4 treatments were: normal protein (NP), i.e., 22.3% and 20.9% crude protein in grower and finisher, respectively; reduced protein (RP), i.e., 2.5% lower protein and deficient in Arg; and RP supplemented with 0.28% Arg (RP-Arg) or 0.28% Cit (RP-Cit). A factorial arrangement of treatments was applied during the finisher phase (21 to 35 d). Factors were: diet (4 diets above); and temperature, NT (24 °C) or cyclic WT (33 ± 1 °C for 6 h per day) with 6 replicate pens per treatment. During 7 to 35 d and 21 to 35 d, the birds fed the RP diet had lower body weight gain (BWG) and higher FCR compared to the NP diet (P < 0.01). The addition of Arg or Cit to RP decreased FCR compared to RP (P < 0.01). During 21 to 35 d, the birds exposed to WT had lower feed intake (FI), lower BWG (P < 0.001) but similar FCR (P > 0.05) compared to birds exposed to NT. Diet by temperature interactions were not observed for performance parameters during the period of WT (P > 0.05). On d 35, the RP-fed birds had a lower yield of thigh and drumstick, higher fat pad, lower femur ash, and breaking strength but similar serum uric acid level and higher nitrogen digestibility on d 21 compared to those offered NP (P < 0.05). Supplementation of Arg or Cit to RP resulted in increased femur ash on d 35 (P < 0.05). Thus, feeding the NP diets is necessary to maintain growth performance in broilers regardless of the temperature conditions.

Effect of L-threonine and NSP-degrading Enzyme on the Performance, Intestinal Morphometry and Immunocompetence of the Broiler Chickens Fed Wheat-based Diet during the Starter Period

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplemental L-threonine and enzyme in a wheat-based starter diet (WBD) on the growth performance, intestinal morphology, and immune responses of male ROSS 308 broiler chickens. A total of 240 one-day-old chicks were allocated to six different dietary treatments in a completely randomized design with a 2×3 factorial arrangement. The treatments were two WBD (with or without enzyme) each supplemented with three levels of L-threonine (100%, 120%, and 140% of the NRC recommendation). To evaluate the humoral immune system, sheep red blood cells (SRBC) antigen was injected, and for evaluation of cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity (CBH) response, the phytohemagglutinin-P was injected subcutaneously. On day 21, two chicks were selected out of each replicate and were bled, slaughtered, and then their internal organs were dissected and weighed. Blood samples were used for malondialdehyde (MDA) measurement. Jejunal and ileal contents and tissues were sampled for the viscosity and morphometric measurements. The supplemental L-threonine at the level of 120% of the NRC recommendation improved body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and anti-SRBC titer (P 0.05). The enzyme supplementation decreased the viscosity of jejunal contents and increased the villus height to crypt depth ratio in the jejunum (P < 0.05). In conclusion, it seems that more dietary L-threonine is needed to support the performance and health of the broilers when fed the WBD. However, no synergism was observed when L-threonine and enzyme supplementation were simultaneously applied in this study.

The effect of a heat-stable xylanase on digesta viscosity, apparent metabolizable energy and growth performance of broiler chicks fed a wheat-based diet

Feed costs represent a significant portion of the cost of poultry production. This study, in 3 experiments, was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a heat-stable xylanase (XYL) as a dietary supplement and its effect on digesta viscosity, nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn), and live performance in broiler chicks. Experiment 1: the objective was to determine the effects of the amount and type of enzyme supplementation on digesta viscosity, AMEn, and bird performance using 7 diets. The dietary treatments were: no supplementation (C), 5 levels of XYL (1 to 16 ppm), or supplementation with a carbohydrase cocktail (CC). Experiment 2: the objective was to determine the interaction of the dietary XYL and the energy content of the feed. There were 2 levels of XYL (0 and 20 ppm) and 3 dietary energy levels (2,770, 2,920, and 3,070 kcal/kg ME). Experiment 3: the objective was to determine the interaction of the dietary XYL and feed form. The treatments were: 5 levels of XYL (0 to 40 ppm) and 2 feed forms (mash and crumble). Broiler chicks were reared in battery cages to 21 d. Statistical analysis of the data was completed using Proc GLM of SAS (9.2) (SAS Institute, Cary, NC).In experiment 1, increasing XYL (0 to 16 ppm) resulted in a decrease in digesta viscosity and an increase in AMEn. The XYL included as low as 1 ppm resulted in a significant increase in AMEn which reached 5% with 16 ppm XYL. In contrast, increase in BWG (4%) above values with the basal diet was greatest with 1 ppm XYL. In experiment 2, the caloric content of the diet influenced the increase in AMEn with inclusion of XYL, 8% and 6% increases with 2,920 kcal/kg and 3,070 kcal/kg diets, respectively. Without addition of XYL, BWG was significantly lower when fed the diet with the highest energy content. In experiment 3, feed form x XYL influenced the effect of XYL on BWG. The BWG was greater when birds were fed the crumble diet with XYL vs when they were fed the mash feed with XYL. The xylanase proved effective for broilers to 21 d when fed the diets used herein with changes in digesta viscosity, increased dietary AMEn, and improved bird performance represented by either BW gain or FCR.

Modern Hybrid Rye, as an Alternative Energy Source for Broiler Chickens, Improves the Absorption Surface of the Small Intestine Depending on the Intestinal Part and Xylanase Supplementation.

Simple SummaryThe use of rye in poultry diets is associated with impairments in poultry performance due to the increased content of non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs). The performance of the body also depends on its health status, which can be reflected in structural changes of organs and systems. The gastrointestinal tract is the primary site of possible interaction between various nutrients, so changes in nutrition may be reflected in intestinal morphology. New hybrid rye varieties have been developed with a lower content of NSPs. Xylanase supplementation attenuates the negative effects of NSPs on poultry performance. The current study evaluated the inclusion of modern hybrid rye and xylanase supplementation on the absorptive surface of the small intestine of broilers. The results of the current study showed that the inclusion of modern hybrid rye to a corn–wheat-based diet improved the absorptive surface of the small intestine of broilers, regardless of xylanase supplementation.The current study investigated the effects of the inclusion of modern hybrid rye (Brasetto variety) to a corn–wheat-based diet, with or without xylanase, on the absorptive surface of the small intestine of broilers. A total of 224 one-day-old male Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly divided into four experimental groups with seven replicate cages of eight birds/replicate. A 2 × 2 factorial study design was used, with rye inclusion (0% or 20%) and xylanase supplementation (0 or 200 mg/kg of feed) as factors. Inclusion of rye increased duodenal and ileal crypt depth, villi height, the villus-to-crypt ratio and absorption surface area (p < 0.05), and ileal mucosa thickness and crypt width (p < 0.05). Xylanase supplementation attenuated the effects of rye in the duodenum and ileum and decreased the villi height and villus-to-crypt ratio in the jejunum (p < 0.05). Rye and xylanase had no effect on the spatial distribution of claudin 3 and ZO-1 protein, but xylanase supplementation reduced the amount of claudin 3 in the duodenum and jejunum (p < 0.05). The findings of this study indicate that 20% inclusion of modern hybrid rye to the diets of broilers improved the structure of the duodenum and ileum, but these effects were attenuated by xylanase supplementation.

Nutrient digestibility of extruded canola meal in ileal-cannulated growing pigs and effects of its feeding on diet nutrient digestibility and growth performance in weaned pigs

Canola meal (CM) contains less crude protein (CP) and more fiber and anti-nutritional factors such as glucosinolates than soybean meal (SBM) and consequently has a lower nutrient digestibility. Therefore, processing strategies that may increase the feeding value of CM warrant study. In two experiments, the effects of extrusion of Brassica napus CM on apparent (AID) and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA), apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of gross energy (GE) in growing pigs, and growth performance and diet digestibility in weaned pigs were assessed. Solvent-extracted CM was extruded using a single-screw extruder at three screw speeds: 250 (CM-250), 350 (CM-350), or 450 (CM-450) rpm. In exp. 1, in a double 4 × 4 Latin square, eight ileal-cannulated barrows (initial body weight [BW], 68.1 kg) were fed corn starch-based diets containing 50% CM or extruded CM. The CM sample contained 43.2% CP, 33.2% total dietary fiber (TDF), and 8.9 µmol of total glucosinolates/g on a dry matter (DM) basis. Extrusion increased (P < 0.05) the AID of CP, reduced (P < 0.05) apparent hindgut fermentation of CP, and decreased (P < 0.05) predicted net energy (NE) value of diets. Extrusion increased diet AID and CM SID of most indispensable AA by 3.1 to 5.3%-units. In exp. 2, 200 weaned pigs (initial BW, 8.3 kg) were fed diets containing 20% SBM, CM, or extruded CM starting 2 wk postweaning for 3 wk. The CM sample contained 42.7% CP, 28.3% TDF, and 5.3 µmol total glucosinolates/g DM. Wheat-based diets provided 2.3 Mcal NE/kg and 5.1 g SID Lys/Mcal NE. Dietary inclusion of extruded CM replacing SBM decreased (P < 0.05) diet ATTD of DM, GE and CP, and DE value. Average daily feed intake, average daily gain (ADG), and gain:feed (G:F) of pigs did not differ between extruded CM and SBM diets and were not affected by extrusion, but increasing extruder screw speed linearly increased (P < 0.05) ADG for day 1 to 7 and G:F for the entire trial. In conclusion, extrusion increased diet AID and CM SID of AA but not DE and predicted NE values of CM. However, increasing extruder speed did not further increase the SID of most of the AA of CM in growing pigs. Dietary inclusion of 20% CM or extruded CM did not affect the growth performance in weaned pigs.

Impact of Xylanase and Glucanase on Oligosaccharide Formation, Carbohydrate Fermentation Patterns, and Nutrient Utilization in the Gastrointestinal Tract of Broilers.

Simple SummaryFiber-degrading enzymes are commonly used as feed additives in poultry nutrition to offset the anti-nutritive impact of cereal fibers. These enzymes have been associated with improved nutrient digestion and hindgut fermentation of fibers, and ultimately, improved animal growth. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms are not fully clear. The aim of this research was to determine the ability of fiber-degrading enzymes to break fibers down to smaller, more easily fermentable structures and evaluate its implications on feed digestion and fermentation in broilers. It was shown that fiber-degrading enzymes released oligosaccharides in the upper gastrointestinal tract in wheat-fed broilers. This coincided with higher short-chain fatty acid production in the ceca and improved nutrient digestion in the small intestine. Such processes were not observed in maize-fed broilers. The higher impact of enzymes in the wheat-based diet is believed to be related to the more complex structure of maize fibers as well as to the higher nutritional value of maize compared to wheat. This study further establishes the beneficial influence of fiber-degrading enzyme supplementation on nutrient and fiber use.This study aimed at determining how the degradation of cereal non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) by dietary enzymes during feed digestion can influence nutrient digestibility and NSP fermentability in broilers. Ninety-six one-day-old male broilers were assigned to 4 different treatments: control and enzyme-supplemented wheat-based (WC, WE) or maize-based (MC, ME) treatments. Enzyme supplementation with endo-xylanase and endo-glucanase occurred from day 20 onwards. On day 28, digesta samples were collected. Nutrient digestibility, NSP recovery, oligosaccharide profile, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) content were determined. Enzyme supplementation in WE resulted in a higher starch (3%; p = 0.004) and protein (5%; p = 0.002) digestion in the ileum compared to WC. Xylanase activity in WE led to in situ formations of arabinoxylan-oligosaccharides consisting of 5 to 26 pentose units in the ileum. This coincided with decreased arabinose (p = 0.059) and xylose (p = 0.036) amounts in the ceca and higher acetate (p = 0.014) and butyrate (p = 0.044) formation in WE compared to WC. Conversely, complete total tract recovery of arabinoxylan in MC and ME suggested poor maize NSP fermentability. Overall, enzyme action improved nutrient digestibility and arabinoxylan fermentability in the wheat-based diet. The lower response of the maize-based diet to enzyme treatment may be related to the recalcitrance of maize arabinoxylan as well as to the high nutritive value of maize.

Impact of fiber on growth, plasma, gastrointestinal and excreta attributes in broiler chickens and turkey poults fed corn- or wheat-based diets with or without multienzyme supplement

Effects of fiber on growth performance, gizzard attributes, ileal digesta viscosity, plasma uric acid (PUA) and excreta characteristics were investigated in broiler chickens (experiment 1) and turkey poults (experiment 2) fed corn or wheat-based diets with or without multienzyme supplement (MES). Fibrous diets were created by adding 10% corn distillers dried grains with solubles or wheat middlings in corn or wheat-based diets, respectively. The MES had main activities of xylanase and β-glucanase. A total of 960-d old Ross x Ross 708 male chicks and 720-d old male Hybrid toms were allocated to eight grain, fiber and MES combinations to give 6 replicates per combination. In each experiment, birds had free access to feed and water for 28 days. Excreta samples were collected for 3-d prior to the end and on d 28, body weight and feed intake were recorded, birds bled and subsequently necropsied for gastrointestinal samples. There was an interaction (P ≤ 0.036) between grain, fiber and MES in broilers final body weight (FBW) and BW gain (BWG). In this context, high fiber corn diets reduced FBW and BWG and supplementation of MES improved these parameters. Broilers fed corn had a higher (P < 0.05) FBW (1,462 vs. 1,424 g) and BWG (1,416 vs. 1,378 g) than birds fed wheat diets. Broilers fed corn-based diets without fiber diets had a higher ileal viscosity and excreta moisture compared to birds fed wheat-based and high fiber diets. Broilers fed low fiber wheat diets without MES had higher (P < 0.05) PUA concentration compared to birds fed low fiber corn diets without MES. Poults fed wheat diets had a higher (P < 0.05) FBW (1,441 vs. 1,408 g) and BWG (1,376 vs. 1,343 g) than poults fed corn diet. The MES supplementation in corn-based diets rich in fiber increased (P = 0.03) gizzard weight in poults. In conclusion, there were varied growth and physiological responses in broilers and turkey suggesting the need for refining enzyme application for different poultry species.