Xylanase and stimbiotic supplementation improve broilers performance and nutrient digestibility across both...

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Poultry Nutrition
• Feed Additives

Background:

• Broiler chickens' feed efficiency is crucial for economic viability.
• Dietary grain source impacts nutrient utilization and gut health.
• Enzyme and prebiotic supplementation are strategies to improve broiler performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of xylanase and stimbiotic on broiler performance and gut parameters.
• To evaluate the interaction between dietary grain source (corn vs. wheat-barley) and additive supplementation.
• To assess the impact of additives on feed conversion ratio, feed intake, digesta viscosity, and nutrient digestibility.

Main Methods:

• A 2x3 factorial design with 1,296 Ross 308 broiler chicks.
• Diets based on corn or wheat-barley, supplemented with none, xylanase, or stimbiotic.
• Measurements included body weight, feed conversion ratio (FCR), feed intake, ileal viscosity, protein and starch digestibility, and serum fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran levels.

Main Results:

• Xylanase or stimbiotic improved FCR, with greater effects in wheat-barley diets.
• Stimbiotic reduced feed intake in wheat-barley diets.
• Ileal viscosity was reduced by xylanase/stimbiotic in wheat-barley diets.
• Protein and starch digestibility improved with xylanase/stimbiotic in wheat-barley diets.
• Corn-based diets resulted in higher serum fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran levels.

Conclusions:

• Dietary xylanase or stimbiotic supplementation enhances feed efficiency in broiler chickens.
• The benefits of these additives are likely mediated by improved nutrient digestibility and reduced digesta viscosity.
• The efficacy of xylanase and stimbiotic is influenced by the dietary grain source, particularly in wheat-barley based diets.