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Starch digestion capacity of poultry
1Norwegian University of Life Sciences, PO Box 5003, N-1432 Aas, Norway birger.svihus@nmbu.no.
Poultry Science
|July 12, 2014
Summary
Poultry can digest most native starch, but pelleting and ingredients like wheat can reduce digestibility. Exogenous alpha-amylase shows limited benefits, suggesting further research into starch digestion mechanisms is vital.
Area of Science:
- Animal Nutrition
- Digestive Physiology
- Feed Science
Background:
- Starch is a primary nutrient in poultry diets, often remaining as intact granules after feed processing.
- Native starch's semi-crystalline structure poses digestion challenges, though poultry generally digest it well in the jejunum.
- Reduced starch digestibility is noted in pelleted diets, especially those high in wheat.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate factors affecting starch digestibility in poultry diets.
- To evaluate the efficacy of exogenous alpha-amylase supplementation.
- To understand the mechanisms of starch digestion in broiler chickens.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of starch granule properties (size, surface components).
- Assessment of starch entrapment within cell walls and protein matrices.
- Evaluation of broiler chicken jejunal starch digestion and response to enzyme supplementation.
Main Results:
- Starch granule entrapment in cell walls and protein matrices significantly impedes digestion.
- High endogenous amylase secretion in poultry may reduce the impact of exogenous enzymes.
- Limited positive effects of exogenous alpha-amylase observed, indicating complex interactions.
Conclusions:
- Factors beyond starch properties, such as physical entrapment, are critical for poultry starch digestion.
- The high endogenous amylase levels in poultry may explain the limited efficacy of supplemental enzymes.
- Further well-designed research is necessary to elucidate starch digestion mechanisms and optimize enzyme supplementation strategies in poultry nutrition.
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