Optimizing Broiler Performance and Intestinal Morphology and Increasing Nutritional Availability via Microbial...

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Poultry Nutrition
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Optimizing broiler growth performance and intestinal health is crucial for the poultry industry.
• Microbial muramidase (MUR) is an enzyme with potential benefits for nutrient digestibility and gut function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of different inclusion rates of microbial muramidase (MUR) on broiler growth performance, intestinal morphology (IM), and blood carotenoid levels.
• To determine the optimal inclusion rate of MUR for broiler feed.

Main Methods:

• A total of 336-day-old Ross 308 broilers were assigned to three dietary treatments: control (T1), control + 350 g/ton MUR (T2), and control + 450 g/ton MUR (T3).
• Birds were fed from day 1 to 42, and body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), carotenoid levels (CLs), and IM were assessed.
• Intestinal morphology was examined in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.

Main Results:

• Microbial muramidase supplementation significantly increased body weight (BW) and daily weight gain (DWG) compared to the control group.
• Higher inclusion rates of MUR (T3) showed enhanced effects on duodenal and jejunal morphology.
• Blood carotenoid levels were significantly higher in broilers fed the MUR-supplemented diets (T3).

Conclusions:

• Microbial muramidase supplementation effectively enhances broiler growth performance, evidenced by increased BWG and DWG.
• MUR positively influences intestinal morphology, particularly in the duodenum and jejunum, suggesting improved nutrient absorption.
• The findings indicate that MUR can be a valuable feed additive for improving broiler performance and gut health.