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Alterations in intestinal development and barrier function in response to dietary β-mannanase in growing broilers
Xiaofei Yang1,2, Yuying Huang1, Pingyu Xia2
1Key Laboratory of Animal Biochemistry and Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China.
Frontiers in Veterinary Science
|June 24, 2026
Summary
Dietary β-mannanase supplementation improved feed conversion ratio and nutrient digestibility in broilers. It enhanced intestinal development, barrier function, and modulated gut microbiota for better growth performance.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Microbiology
Background:
- Dietary enzymes like β-mannanase are crucial for improving nutrient utilization in poultry.
- Understanding the impact of β-mannanase on broiler gut health and microbiota is essential for sustainable animal agriculture.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of dietary β-mannanase on growth performance, intestinal morphology, nutrient digestibility, and cecal microbiota in growing broilers.
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which β-mannanase influences gut barrier function and immune response.
Main Methods:
- A total of 160 broiler chicks were fed a basal diet or a diet supplemented with 150 mg/kg β-mannanase until day 21.
- Measurements included growth performance, chyme viscosity, jejunal gene expression (SGLT1, FABP6, ZO-1, occludin, mucin-2), intestinal morphology, serum markers (D-lactic acid, endotoxin), jejunal sIgA and IL-1β levels, and cecal microbiota composition.
Main Results:
- β-mannanase supplementation reduced feed intake and improved feed conversion ratio, dry matter, and metabolizable energy digestibility.
- It decreased chyme viscosity, increased jejunal villus height-to-crypt depth ratio, and enhanced enterocyte DNA content.
- β-mannanase improved intestinal barrier integrity by reducing serum D-lactic acid and endotoxin, upregulating tight junction proteins (ZO-1, occludin), mucin-2, and sIgA, while decreasing IL-1β.
- Cecal microbiota analysis showed an increased abundance of beneficial bacteria, including Alistipes, Lachnoclostridium, Enterocloster, and Comamonas.
Conclusions:
- Dietary β-mannanase effectively improves growth performance and nutrient utilization in broilers.
- It enhances gut micro-ecology by reducing chyme viscosity, strengthening intestinal barrier function, and positively modulating microbiota composition.
- β-mannanase supplementation represents a valuable strategy for improving broiler health and feed efficiency.
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