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Lysolecithin, but not lecithin, improves nutrient digestibility and growth rates in young broilers
A L Wealleans1, J Buyse2,3, D Scholey4
1Kemin Animal Health and Nutrtion, Kemin Europa N.V , Herentals, Belgium.
British Poultry Science
|March 18, 2020
Summary
Lysolecithin significantly improved lipid digestion, crude fat digestibility, and energy values in young broilers compared to lecithin. This enhances growth performance and feed utilization in poultry diets.
Area of Science:
- Animal Nutrition
- Digestive Physiology
- Feed Additives
Background:
- Lecithin and lysolecithin are phospholipids with potential roles in improving lipid digestion and nutrient absorption in poultry.
- Understanding the differential effects of lecithin versus lysolecithin is crucial for optimizing broiler nutrition and feed efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of lecithin and lysolecithin in enhancing lipid digestion and growth performance in young broilers.
- To compare the effects of lysolecithin and lecithin on in vitro lipid hydrolysis, in vivo nutrient digestibility, and overall broiler performance.
Main Methods:
- Experiment 1: In vitro hydrolysis of palm oil with lecithin or lysolecithin, followed by assessment of lipid absorption using Caco-2 cell monolayers.
- Experiment 2: A 7-day chick digestibility trial evaluating apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of crude fat, dry matter (DM), and apparent metabolizable energy with N-correction (AMEn).
- Experiment 3: A 21-day broiler performance trial assessing weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio with different dietary treatments.
Main Results:
- In vitro hydrolysis rates were higher for palm oil with lysolecithin, leading to increased absorption of monoglycerides and free fatty acids.
- Lysolecithin supplementation significantly improved ATTD of crude fat, DM digestibility, and AMEn in broilers compared to the basal diet.
- While lecithin alone reduced weight gain, the addition of lysolecithin to lecithin-based diets improved broiler performance, indicating a synergistic effect.
Conclusions:
- Lysolecithin demonstrates superior efficacy over lecithin in improving lipid digestion, nutrient utilization, and energy values in young broiler diets.
- Lysolecithin holds significant potential as a feed additive to enhance growth performance and feed efficiency in poultry production.
