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Improving sorghum digestion in broilers by targeting fermentation of xylan
Natalie K Morgan1,2, Andrew Wallace1, Michael R Bedford3
1University of New England, School of Environmental and Rural Science, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia.
Animal Nutrition (Zhongguo Xu Mu Shou Yi Xue Hui)
|July 5, 2022
Summary
Supplementing broiler chicken diets with fermentable fiber, xylanase, and xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) improves feed efficiency. These additions enhance nutrient utilization and gut health in birds fed sorghum-based diets.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Gut Microbiology
Background:
- Sorghum-based diets in broiler chickens can present challenges in nutrient digestibility.
- Targeting xylan fermentation is a potential strategy to enhance digestion and improve feed efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of fermentable fiber sources and enzymes on sorghum digestion in broiler chickens.
- To determine the impact of xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) and xylanase on growth performance and gut parameters.
Main Methods:
- Cobb 500 broiler chickens were fed 12 dietary treatments including sorghum, wheat bran, XOS, and xylanase over three feeding phases.
- Growth performance (BWG, FI, cFCR) was monitored, and ileal and cecal samples were analyzed for microbial composition, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), and enzyme activity.
Main Results:
- Supplementation with 2,000 mg/kg XOS increased body weight gain and altered cecal SCFA concentrations.
- Wheat bran inclusion enhanced feed intake, body weight gain, and cecal Bifidobacteria.
- Combined wheat bran, XOS, and xylanase maximized ileal XOS concentration, leading to increased SCFA, and xylanase/cellulase activity.
Conclusions:
- Fermentable fiber, xylanase, and XOS supplementation effectively improve feed efficiency in broiler chickens fed sorghum-based diets.
- These dietary strategies promote better nutrient utilization and gut health modulation.
