Effect of Dietary Enzyme Supplementation on Nutrient Retention in Broiler Chickens Fed Sorghum - Based Diets

Abstract

The demand for enzyme supplements has increased due to the use of unconventional feedstuffs. This study evaluated the effect of dietary enzyme supplementation on nutrient retention and cost/ benefits of broiler chickens. A total of 330, day-old Hyline broiler chicks were assigned to 11 diets replicated thrice with 10 birds each, using a completely randomized design. Two basal diets were formulated: maize - soybean meal (positive control) and sorghum – soybean meal (negative control) with the sorghum diet subdivided into 10, with nine diets containing Phytase (PHY), Xylanase, Amylase, Protease (XAP) and Xylanase, β-Glucanase (XB) at three levels (250, 500 and 750 mg/kg) each. Faecal and feed samples were collected from 59 - 66 day. Result showed significant (p<0.05) differences in the percentage nutrient retention. The addition of enzymes to sorghum diets especially 500 mg PHY enabled birds to retain more nutrients. There was no significant (p>0.05) difference in cost/kg gain, but was significantly (p<0.05) higher when 500 mg of XB was added. The feed cost to produce one kg weight was reduced up to 10.85% for PHY and XAP at 500 mg/kg. The study concluded that incorporation of multi-enzymes (Phytase and Xylanase, Amylase, Protease) at 500 mg/kg in broiler chicken diets was most beneficial and economical as it enhanced the profit margin. ><0.05) higher when 500 mg of XB was added. The feed cost to produce one kg weight was reduced up to 10.85% for PHY and XAP at 500 mg/kg. The study concluded that incorporation of multi-enzymes (Phytase and Xylanase, Amylase, Protease) at 500 mg/kg in broiler chicken diets was most beneficial and economical as it enhanced the profit margin.