Utilization of corn-based diets supplemented with an exogenous α-amylase for broilers

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Poultry Nutrition
• Enzyme Technology

Background:

• Corn and soy are primary ingredients in broiler chicken diets.
• Variable corn inclusion can affect nutrient utilization.
• Exogenous enzymes like alpha-amylase can enhance nutrient digestibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of supplemental alpha-amylase on energy and nutrient utilization in broiler chickens.
• To determine the effects of varying corn inclusion levels in diets.
• To identify optimal alpha-amylase dosage based on dietary starch concentration.

Main Methods:

• 480 male broiler chickens were fed diets with conventional (CS) or high corn (CN) content.
• Diets were supplemented with varying levels of alpha-amylase (40-160 KNU/kg).
• Ileal digestible energy, AMEn, and nutrient digestibility (DM, protein, fat) were analyzed.

Main Results:

• The high corn diet (CN) showed lower energy utilization and nutrient digestibility than the conventional corn diet (CS).
• Supplementation with 80 KNU/kg alpha-amylase increased AMEn and IDE significantly.
• Alpha-amylase addition improved growth performance and nutrient digestibility in a dose-dependent manner, with optimal levels varying by diet composition.

Conclusions:

• Alpha-amylase supplementation enhances energy and nutrient utilization in corn-soy based broiler diets.
• The optimal dosage of alpha-amylase is associated with the dietary starch concentration.
• Enzyme supplementation can mitigate negative effects of higher corn inclusion on broiler performance.