Xylanase impact beyond performance: A microbiome approach in laying hens

Area of Science:

• Animal Nutrition
• Microbiology
• Poultry Science

Background:

• Viscous cereals contain anti-nutritional compounds like non-starch polysaccharides (NSP).
• Exogenous carbohydrases, such as xylanase, are added to poultry feed to degrade NSP.
• The impact of xylanase on laying hen gut microbiota and potential prebiotic effects requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of dietary xylanase supplementation on laying hen performance.
• To assess the impact of xylanase on apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD).
• To analyze the modulation of the cecal microbiome by xylanase in laying hens.

Main Methods:

• 96 HiSex laying hens were fed diets with 0, 45,000, or 90,000 U/kg xylanase.
• Performance parameters, egg quality, and ATTD were measured.
• Cecal microbiome composition was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Main Results:

• The 45,000 U/kg xylanase dose significantly increased average egg weight and feed efficiency.
• Egg quality parameters, including Haugh units and albumin height, were improved.
• ATTD of organic matter and crude protein improved with 45,000 U/kg xylanase.
• Gross energy and ATTD of crude fat improved with 90,000 U/kg xylanase.
• Xylanase at 45,000 U/kg significantly increased beneficial bacteria (Bacilli class) in the cecal microbiome.

Conclusions:

• Dietary xylanase at 45,000 U/kg significantly enhances laying hen performance and digestibility.
• Xylanase supplementation beneficially modulates the laying hen gut bacterial population.
• Xylanase may exert a prebiotic effect by altering the gut microbiota composition.