Nutrient density and the collaborative impact of exogenous enzyme blend on the performance of broiler chicken

Article information

Anim Biosci. 2025;38(1):131-141
Publication date (electronic) : 2024 October 24
doi : https://doi.org/10.5713/ab.24.0233
1Department of Animal Industry Convergence, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Korea
2Department of Animal Biosciences (ABSc), University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
3Advanced Enzyme Technologies Ltd., Thane 400604, India
4Institute of Applied Humanimal Science, Hankyong National University, Ansung 17579, Korea
5School of Animal Life Convergence Science, Hankyong National University, Ansung 17579, Korea
*Corresponding Author: Jin Soo Kim, Tel: +82-10-2566-5961, E-mail: kjs896@kangwon.ac.kr. Min Ju Kim, Tel: +82-10-2962-7183, E-mail: minjukim@hknu.ac.kr
aThese authors contributed equally to this work.
Received 2024 April 15; Revised 2024 July 6; Accepted 2024 September 6.

Abstract

Objective

This study evaluates the collaborative effect of exogenous enzyme blend and dietary nutrient density on the performance of broiler chicken.

Methods

A total of 600 Ross 308 broiler chickens with same average initial body weight were randomly assigned to 5 treatments. Each treatment contained 8 replicates, and 15 birds per replicate. The diets included a control (CON) starter/finisher (S/F) diet with metabolizable energy (ME) 3,100/3,200 in Kcal/kg and crude protein (CP) content 22.0.0/20.00 in % as (S/F 3,100/3,200 Kcal/kg + CP [22.00/20.00]%), S/F with ME 3,060/3,150 Kcal/kg + CP (21.50/19.50)% with and without the exogenous enzyme blend as (S/F 3,060/3,150 Kcal/kg + [21.50/19.50]% with, and without the exogenous enzyme blend), and lastly, S/F with ME 3,010/3,100 Kcal/kg + CP (21.50/19.50)% with, and without the exogenous enzyme blend as (S/F 3,010/3,100 Kcal/kg + [21.50/19.50]% with, and without the exogenous enzyme blend). The impact of the treatments was tested on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood metabolites, intestinal microflora, and morphology of broiler chicken.

Results

The inclusion of exogenous enzyme blend in the nutrient-deficient diet S/F 3,060/3,150 + 21.50/19.50 increased (p<0.05) broilers body weight, feed conversion ratio, nutrient digestibility of CP, gross energy, phosphorus, and blood phosphorus, with tendency (p<0.10) of higher dry matter. The treatment also showed lower (p<0.05) total anaerobic bacteria, coliform, and higher (p<0.05) villus height (VH) in the jejunum, with tendencies (p<0.10) of higher lactobacillus in the ileum and caecum, and higher tendency (p<0.10) of VH in duodenum and ileum.

Conclusion

We concluded that the improved performance could be attributed to the potency of S/F 3,060/3,150 + 21.50/19.50 supplemented with 0.05% of the multienzyme to reduce the level of potential pathogenic bacteria with an increased level of positive bacteria, which in turn creates an enabling intestinal villi structure in broiler chicken.

INTRODUCTION

The dearth of feed ingredients and increasing environmental contamination in poultry production have gathered global attention. Diets containing low nutrients supplemented with enzymes may be considered an option. The incorporation of exogenous enzymes such as amylase, mannanase, phytase, protease, and xylanase has the ability to maintain, and improve the performance of broiler chicken fed low-nutrient diets consisting of corn-wheat-soybean meal (SBM) [1], a typical ingredient utilized for broiler feed formulation [2]. These ingredients are traditionally valued on account of their availability and nutritional balance. However, a range of anti-nutritional components linked to their fibrous nature—including polymeric carbohydrates termed non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) are included in feed items originating from plants [3]. The majority of NSPs in corn, SBM, and wheat include insoluble arabinoxylan and β-galactomannan, α-galactosides, and β-galactomannan, and arabinoxylan respectively [4].

Poultry including broiler chickens lack the adequate number of endogenous enzymes required for splitting the bonds of intricate polysaccharides found in feed ingredients originating from plants [5]. These polymers decrease the nutritional value of feeds by preventing endogenous enzymes from accessing the confined protein and starch in the cell wall [6]. The existence of NSP in broiler diets contributes to elevated intestinal viscosity, decreased nutrient digestibility, and altered gut physiology, leading to poor performance [3]. Exogenous multi-enzymes incorporated into corn-SBM and wheat-SBM-based diets reduced the effects of differing raw material quality, improved homogeneity and enhanced nutrient digestibility compared to single enzymes [7,8], by reducing the chemical composition of NSP passing through the ileum [9]. Despite the notion that multi-enzymes could enhance digestibility, their impact tends to be more obvious in nutrient-deficient diets [4].

Thus, the purpose of this experiment was to evaluate the impact of dietary nutrient density and the collaborative effect of exogenous enzyme blend on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood metabolites, intestinal microflora and morphology in broilers fed corn-wheat-SBM diets.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Animal care and ethical statement

This experiment was conducted at the facility of Kangwon National University after receiving approval from the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee with ethical code KW-220413-1.

Animal, diets, and experimental design

A total of 600 broilers (Ross 308) with same average initial body weight (BW) were randomly assigned to 5 treatments. Each treatment contained 8 replicates, and 15 birds per replicate. The diets included a control (CON) starter/finisher (S/F) diet with metabolizable energy (ME) 3,100/3,200 in Kcal/kg, and crude protein (CP) content 22.0.0/20.00 in % as (S/F 3,100/3,200 Kcal/kg + CP, [22.00/20.00]%), S/F with ME 3,060/3,150 Kcal/kg + CP (21.50/19.50)% with and without the exogenous enzyme blend as (S/F 3,060/3,150 Kcal/kg + [21.50/19.50]% with, and without the exogenous enzyme blend), and lastly, S/F with ME 3,010/3,100 Kcal/kg + CP (21.50/19.50)% with, and without the exogenous enzyme blend as (S/F 3,010/3,100 Kcal/kg + [21.50/19.50]% with, and without the exogenous enzyme blend). The experimental diets were fed in a mash form for 35 days in 2 phases (d 1 to 21, phase I; and d 22 to 35, phase II). All diets met or exceeded the nutrient requirements recommended by the Ross 308 (Aviagen, 2019) management guide [10] (Tables 1, 2). The birds were raised on floor enclosures covered with rice hulls. A self-feeder and a hanging bell drinker were installed in each pen to enable unrestricted access to food and water. The room was heated to 34°C for the first 5 d and was progressively lowered according to normal management procedures until a temperature of 23°C was achieved, with lighting allowed for 23 h/d.

Ingredient and chemical composition of basal diet, as-fed basis (Phase I)

Ingredient and chemical composition of basal diet, as-fed basis (Phase II)

Enzyme preparation

The exogenous enzyme blend used in the present study known as DigeGrain Delta was provided by Advanced Enzyme Technologies Ltd. (Thane, India). The multienzyme is a mix of mannanase, protease, amylase, phytase, and xylanase synthesised by controlled fermentation of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus licheniformis, Trichoderma citrinoviride, and Pichia pastoris, respectively. The pure enzyme product provides 2,500,000 mannanase units (MNU)/kg of β-mannanase, 800,000 bacterial amylase units (BAU)/kg of amylase, 1,000,000 phytase temperature units (FTU)/kg of phytase, 1,000,000 protease catalytic units (PCU)/kg of protease, 600,000 xylanase units (XU)/kg of xylanase, and 1 unit of amylase is the amount of enzyme liberating 1 μmoL of glucosidic linkage from a dextrinized starch substrate per minute at 6.6 pH and 30°C. A unit of protease is the quantity of enzyme liberating 1 μg of phenolic compound (tyrosine equivalent) from casein substrate per minute at 7.0 pH and 37°C, 1 unit of β-mannanase is the quantity of enzyme, which liberates 1 μmoL of total reducing sugar (glucose equivalent) from mannan substrate (Locust bean gum) per minute at 5.3 pH and 50°C. A unit of xylanase is defined as the quantity of enzyme liberating 1 μmoL of reducing sugar (xylose equivalent) from xylan substrate (Beechwood xylan) per minute at 5.3 pH and 50°C, and 1 unit of phytase is defined as the amount of enzyme, which liberates 1 μmoL of inorganic phosphate from sodium phytate substrate per minute at 5.0 pH and 50°C.

Data and sample collection

The birds were weighed separately on d 21 and d 35 of the experiment, and at the conclusion of the experiment, un-consumed feed was weighed, and feed intake (FI) was determined. Body weight gain and FI were measured from each replicate, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were corrected for the weight of dead birds. Nutrient balance trials were conducted at the end of the feeding trial to determine the apparent ileal and total digestibility of dry matter (DM), CP, gross energy (GE), calcium (Ca), and phosphorus (P). Two birds from each replicate were allocated in individual cages (one bird/cage) to facilitate the collection of excreta samples. The diets containing 0.25% chromium oxide as an indigestible marker were given, and excreta and ileal samples (about 100 g/d per bird) were collected from each bird. For the Ileal sample collection, a total of 80 birds (2 birds in each replicate from the treatment) were euthanized and the ileal digesta was collected from the distal part. The samples were dried in a forced air-drying oven at 60°C for 72 h and ground in a Wiley laboratory mill (Thomas Model 4 Wiley Mill; Thomas Scientific, Swedesboro, NJ, USA) using a 1-mm screen. The total nutrient digestibility was calculated as:

Total nutrient digestibility (%)=100-[100×(%Cr in feed/%Cr in excreta)×(%nutrient in excreta)/%nutrient in feed)].

The apparent ileal digestibility (AID) was calculated as:

Nutrient AID (%)=100-[100×(%Cr in feed/%Cr in ileum)×(%nutrient in ileum/%nutrient in feed)].

On d 21 and d 35, a 10-mL blood sample was collected by jugular vein puncture from 2 randomly selected broilers in each pen using a disposable vacutainer tube containing sodium heparin as an anticoagulant (Becton Dickinson, Franklin, NJ, USA). After centrifugation (3,000×g for 15 min at 4°C), serum samples were separated and stored at −20°C and later analyzed for concentrations of cholesterol, triglyceride, glucose, Ca, and P [11].

Small intestinal morphology

On the last day of the experiment, a total of 80 birds (2 birds in each replicate from the treatment) were euthanized and intestinal samples were collected from the small intestine. Three cross-sections for each intestinal sample were prepared after staining with azure A and eosin using standard paraffin embedding procedures [12]. A total of 10 intact, well-oriented crypt-villus units were selected in triplicate for each intestinal cross-section from the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Villus height (VH) was measured from the tip of the villi to the villus crypt junction, and crypt depth (CD) was defined as the depth of the invagination between adjacent villi and villus width was measured at the mid of the villus. All morphological measurements (VH or CD) were made in 10-μm increments by using an image processing and analysis system (Optimus software version 6.5; Media Cybergenetics, North Reading, MA, USA).

Chemical analysis

Experimental diets, excreta and ileal samples were analyzed in triplicate for DM, method 930.15; AOAC [13], CP method 990.03; AOAC [13], and ash method 942.05; AOAC [13]. The Ca, and P (Method 985.01; AOAC [13]). The GE were measured by a bomb calorimeter (Model 1261; Parr Instrument Co., Moline, IL, USA), and chromium concentration was determined with an automated spectrophotometer (Jasco V-650; Jasco Corp., Tokyo, Japan) according to the procedure of Fenton and Fenton [14]. Commercial kits (Fujifilm Corp., Saitama, Japan) were used for the analysis of serum metabolites using an automated chemical analyser (Fuji Dri-chem 3500i; Fujifilm Corp., Japan).

Microbial analysis

At the end of this trial, the microbiological assay of intestinal digesta and faecal samples was carried out using the procedure suggested by Choi et al [15]. In detailed; Ileal and rectal samples were collected from previously euthanized 80 birds (2 birds in each replicate from the treatment), and 1 g of mixed content was diluted with 9 mL of Butterfield’s phosphate buffer solution, followed by further serial dilutions in Butterfield’s phosphate buffer dilution solution. Duplicate plates were then inoculated with 0.1 mL sample and incubated. The microbial groups enumerated were the total anaerobic bacteria (Tryptic soya agar), Lactobacillus spp. (MRS agar + 0.02% NaNO3 + 0.05% L-cysteine hydrochloride monohydrate), Clostridium spp. (Tryptose sulphite cycloserine agar, Oxoid, Hampshire, UK) and coliforms (violet red bile agar; Difco Laboratories, Detroit, MI, USA). The anaerobic conditions during the assay of Clostridium spp. were created by using a gas-pak anaerobic system (BBL, No. 260678; Difco, Detroit, MI, USA). The microbial populations were log-transformed before statistical analysis.

Statistical analysis

Data generated in the present study were subjected to statistical analysis using the general linear model procedure of SAS (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC, USA) in a randomized complete block design. When significant differences were identified among treatment means, they were separated using Tukey’s honestly significant difference test. The pen was used as the experimental unit for the analysis of growth performance, digestibility coefficient, blood metabolites, faecal microflora and intestinal morphology. Probability values of p<0.05 were considered significant, and p<0.10 as tendency.

RESULTS

Bird performance

The impact of dietary nutrient density and supplementation of exogenous enzyme blend on the growth performance of broiler is shown in Table 3. In the starter phase, broilers fed S/F 3,060/3,150 + 21.50/19.50 supplemented with exogenous enzyme blend had higher (p<0.05) BW compared with S/F 3,060/3,150 + 21.50/19.50 without enzyme supplementation, and S/F 3,010/3,100 + 21.50/19.50 without enzyme, while FCR was lower (p<0.05) in the exogenous enzyme blend supplemented diets compared with S/F 3,010/3,100 + 21.50/19.50 without enzyme supplementation. In the finisher phase, BW was higher (p<0.05) in the exogenous enzyme blend supplemented diets compared with S/F 3,010/3,100 + 21.50/19.50 without the exogenous enzyme blend, while FCR was lower (p<0.05) in the enzyme blend supplemented diets compared with S/F 3,010/3,100 + 21.50/19.50 without the enzyme supplementation. In the overall days, the BW was higher (p<0.05) in S/F 3,060/3,150 + 21.50/19.50 supplemented with the enzyme blend at 0.05% compared with S/F 3,060/3,150 + 21.50/19.50 without the enzyme, and 3,010/3,100 + 21.50/19.50 without the exogenous enzyme blend. The FCR was lower (p<0.05) in the enzyme-supplemented diets compared with S/F 3,060/3,150 + 21.50/19.50 and S/F 3,010/3,100 + 21.50/19.50 without the enzyme blend. There was no significant difference in FI across all phases of the experimental treatments.

Effects of nutrient density of diet and supplementation of exogenous enzyme blend on growth performance of broiler

Digestibility of nutrients

The impact of dietary nutrient density and supplementation of exogenous enzyme blend on the faecal and ileal digestibility (%) in broiler at d 35 is shown in Table 4. In the faeces, digestibility of CP was higher (p<0.05) in S/F 3,060/3,150 + 21.50/19.50 supplemented with the exogenous enzyme blend with tendencies (p<0.10) of higher DM, GE, and P digestibility compared with S/F 3,060/3,150 + 21.50/19.50 without the enzyme, and S/F 3,010/3,100 + 21.50/19.50 without the exogenous enzyme blend supplementation. There was no significant difference in the faecal Ca digestibility. The ileal DM showed higher tendency (p<0.10) in the S/F 3,060/3,150 + 21.50/19.50, and the 3,010.60/3,100 + 21.50/19.50 exogenous blend supplemented diet compared with S/F 3,010/3,100 + 21.50/19.50 without the enzyme blend supplementation. The ileal GE was higher (p<0.05) in S/F 3,060/3,150 + 21.50/19.50 supplemented with the exogenous enzyme blend compared with S/F 3,010/3,100 + 21.50/19.50 without the exogenous enzyme. The ileal CP digestibility showed higher tendency (p<0.10) in S/F 3,060/3,150 + 21.50/19.50 supplemented with the exogenous enzyme blend. The ileal P digestibility was higher (p<0.05) in S/F 3,060/3,150 + 21.50/19.50 supplemented with the exogenous enzyme blend compared with S/F 3,060/3,150 + 21.50/19.50 without the enzyme, and S/F 3,010/3,100 + 21.50/19.50 without the enzyme blend. There was no significant difference in the ileal Ca digestibility across all treatments.

Effects of nutrient density of diet and supplementation of exogenous enzyme blend on faecal and ileal digestibility of broiler (d 35)

Blood metabolites

The impact of dietary nutrient density and supplementation of exogenous enzyme blend on blood metabolites in broiler is shown in Table 5. The blood glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, and Ca showed no significant difference at d 21 and d 35. However, the blood P was higher (p<0.05) in S/F 3,060/3,150 + 21.50/19.50 supplemented with the exogenous enzyme blend at d 21 and d 35 compared with S/F 3,010/3,100 + 21.50/19.50 without the exogenous enzyme blend.

Effects of nutrient density of diet and supplementation of exogenous enzyme blend on blood metabolites in broiler

Intestinal microflora

The impact of dietary nutrient density and supplementation of exogenous enzyme blend on the intestinal microflora of broiler at d 35 is shown in Table 6. The total anaerobic bacteria in ileum were lower (p<0.05) in S/F 3,060/3,150 + 21.50/19.50 supplemented with the exogenous enzyme blend compared with S/F 3,060/3,150 + 21.50/19.50, and 3,010/3,100 + 21.50/19.50 without the enzyme blend. There was no significant difference in the total anaerobic bacteria in the caecum across all treatments. Lactobacillus spp. showed higher tendency (p<0.10) in the ileum and caecum in S/F 3,060/3,150 + 21.50/19.50 supplemented with the exogenous enzyme. The coliform bacteria showed no significant difference in the ileum. However, coliform bacteria in the caecum were lower (p<0.05) in S/F 3,060/3,150 + 21.50/19.50 supplemented with the exogenous enzyme blend compared with S/F 3,060/3,150 + 21.50/19.50, and S/F 3,010/3,100 + 21.50/19.50 without the enzyme blend. There was no significant difference in Clostridium spp. in the ileum and caecum in all treatments.

Effects of nutrient density of diet and supplementation of exogenous enzyme blend on intestinal microflora of broiler (d 35)

Intestinal morphology

The impact of dietary nutrient density and supplementation of exogenous enzyme blend on the intestinal morphology of broiler is shown in Table 7. In the duodenum, there was a higher tendency (p<0.10) in VH in the S/F 3,060/3,150 + 21.50/19.50 supplemented with the exogenous enzyme, however, there was no significant difference in CD, and VH/CD. In the jejunum, VH was higher (p<0.05) in S/F 3,060/3,150 + 21.50/19.50 supplemented with the exogenous enzyme blend compared with S/F 3,010/3,100 + 21.50/19.50 without the enzyme blend. There was no significant difference in CD and VH/CD in all treatments. In the ileum, a tendency (p<0.10) was observed in VH in the S/F 3,060/3,150 + 21.50/19.50 supplemented with the exogenous enzyme, however, there was no significant difference in the CD, and VH/CD across all treatments.

Effects of nutrient density of diet and supplementation of exogenous enzyme blend on intestinal morphology of broiler (d 35)

DISCUSSION

In this experiment, a decrease in BW and an increase in FCR was observed when dietary ME and CP were reduced at the starter, finisher, and overall phases. This result agrees with the study of Mirshekar et al [16]; Dean et al [17] where broilers fed diets on low CP and ME had poor BW and FCR. Although the FI was not significantly impacted by the reduced CP and ME, a numerical increase was observed. This is based on the established inverse relationship between FI and dietary nutrient levels. Birds fed on nutrient-deficient diets often ingest more feed to meet their nutrient and energy requirements.

The supplementation of the enzyme blends to the diet with reduced ME and CP enabled growth performance comparable to the CON diet containing non-reduced ME and CP. The theories of science listed below can be used to explain this: The supplementation of multienzyme improved FCR without an effect on FI. This can be interpreted as the improvement resulted from better nutrient utilization [18]. The inability of broiler chickens to effectively digest NSP due to the limited quantity of endogenous enzymes such as β-mannanase, α-galactosidase, and arabinoxylanase in the gut typically results to the utilization of more energy by broilers. Exogenous enzyme blend performs in corn-wheat-SBM diets primarily by disintegrating the plant cell wall components encapsulating nutrients in low-viscosity diets. Hence, assisting in converting the NSP into short-chain carbohydrates available for broiler utilization [2]. The enzyme employed in this study contains amylase, protease, mannanase, and xylanase which may improve the digestibility of energy and protein [19]. Xylanase in particular assists in degrading xylan in the distal region of the digestive tract leading to the formation of oligosaccharide prebiotics [20]. Thus, the supplementation of an exogenous enzyme blend gives room for lower CP and ME in diets without compromising the performance of broilers as shown in the current study.

The supplementation of enzyme blend to lower ME and CP diets not only increased the digestibility of faecal DM, GE, and CP but also increased ileal DM, GE, P, and enhanced blood P levels. This improvement may be affiliated with the blend of amylase, protease, mannanase, and xylanase capable of disintegrating dietary NSP as earlier explained. In agreement, Lu et al [21] stated that the combined supplementation of glucanase, phytase, and xylanase enhanced the CP, DM, GE, and P in broilers fed corn-SBM-diets deficient in ME, CP, Ca, and P.

Modifying the microbiota quality by enhancing the level of eubiotic bacteria is proportional to a reduction in the number of pathogenic bacteria in the gut, and this may be achieved via nutrient-deficiency practice supplemented with an enzyme blend [22]. Our study shows that the level of potential pathogenic bacteria such as total anaerobic bacteria in the ileum, and coliform bacteria in the caecum was lower in the nutrient-deficient diet supplemented with the exogenous enzyme blend. This may be due to the minute quantity of nutrients accessible for fermentation by pathogenic bacteria [18]. It is noteworthy to mention that one of the most important variables influencing the immune and physiological systems of broiler chickens is their gut microbiome. Pathogenic bacteria such as coliforms and total anaerobic bacteria intensify illnesses and reduce hens’ ability to thrive [23]. Although there was no significant difference in the level of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus in this study, a tendency for higher levels of ileal and caecal Lactobacillus spp. was noticed in the nutrient-deficient diets supplemented with an exogenous enzyme blend. It has been previously explained that xylanase has the ability to degrade NSP such as arabinoxylan found in plant-based feed ingredients to synthesise short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in the distal region of the broiler gut [24]. We proposed the derived SCFA may have created a conducive atmosphere to lactic acids such as Lactobacillus spp. as shown in the nutrient-deficient diet supplemented with an exogenous enzyme blend. The prevalence of lactic acid hinders the spread of harmful bacteria such as coliform and total anaerobic bacteria as shown in this study which shares similarities with a report by Yaghobfar and Kalantar [25]. In their study, the addition of β-glucanase and phytase resulted in a higher level of Lactobacillus and a decline in the Escherichia coli population in the ileum. Phytase is popularly known for decreasing diet buffer tendency by altering the digesta pH and microbial quantity in the ileum.

Intestinal architecture such as CD, VH, and their ratios are an important indicators of nutrient digested. A higher villus and a smaller crypt are signs of improved digested nutrients coupled with reduced mucosal tissue regeneration [26]. The current study showed higher VH in the jejunum and a tendency towards a higher VH in the duodenum and ileum in the nutrient-deficient diet supplemented with an exogenous enzyme blend. The treatment also showed numerically lower CD in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. The corn-SBM and wheat employed as the main ingredient source in this experiment contain β-mannan and arabinoxylans respectively. These polysaccharides augment the digesta viscosity that triggers a change in the intestinal structure leading to a shorter VH and longer CD as shown in our treatments without the enzyme supplementation [25]. We speculate that the higher VH and lower CD in the enzyme-supplemented diets was due to its mannanase and xylanase components inducing the formation of manno- and xylo-oligosaccharides in the gut of broilers. Similar reports by Ravn et al [27]; Roofchaei et al [28] observed an increase in villus length in diets supplemented with a combination of β-glucanase, phytase, and xylanase enzyme.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, broilers fed nutrient-deficient S/F 3,060/3,150 + 21.50/19.50 corn-wheat-SBM diets incorporated with exogenous enzyme blend at level 0.05% showed higher growth performance and digestibility of nutrients. This may have resulted from the potency of the treatment to reduce the level of potential pathogenic bacteria with an increased level of beneficial bacteria, which in turn creates an enabling intestinal villi structure.

Notes

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

We certify that there is no conflict of interest with any organization regarding the materials discussed in the manuscript. Ingale SL is an employee of Advanced Enzyme Technologies Ltd..

FUNDING

The authors received no financial support for this article.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We appreciate the support provided by Kemin industries, and our laboratory members during the course of this experiment.

References

1. Valente DT Junior, Genova JL, Kim SW, Saraiva A, Rocha GC. Carbohydrases and phytase in poultry and pig nutrition: a review beyond the nutrients and energy matrix. Animals 2024;14:226. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14020226.
2. Soisuwan K, Plaimast H, Thongnum A, Chotnipat S, Nopparatmaitree M. Effect of natural multi-enzyme supplementation on growth performance, gut microflora, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of broilers reared in tropical climates. J Anim Health Prod 2023;11:129–38. https://doi.org/10.17582/journal.jahp/2023/11.2.129.138.
3. Leyva-Jimenez H, Burden Y, Soto C, McCormick K, Woodward A, Dirks B. Effect of supplementing a multi-carbohydrase enzyme complex to corn–soy-based diets on growth performance, intestinal digesta viscosity, and carcass traits of broiler chickens. J Appl Poult Res 2024;33:100387. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.japr.2023.100387.
4. Kim MJ, Ingale SL, Hosseindoust A, Choi Y, Kim K, Chae B. Synergistic effect of exogenous multi-enzyme and phytase on growth performance, nutrients digestibility, blood metabolites, intestinal microflora and morphology in broilers fed corn-wheat-soybean meal diets. Anim Biosci 2021;34:1365–74. https://doi.org/10.5713/ab.20.0663.
5. Khattak FM, Pasha TN, Hayat Z, Mahmud A. Enzymes in poultry nutrition. J Anim Pl Sci 2006;16:1–7.
6. Khadem A, Lourenço M, Delezie E, et al. Does release of encapsulated nutrients have an important role in the efficacy of xylanase in broilers? Poult Sci 2016;95:1066–76. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps/pew002.
7. Tajudeen H, Ha SH, Hosseindoust A, et al. Effect of dietary inclusion of Bacillus-based probiotics on performance, egg quality, and the faecal microbiota of laying hen. Anim Biosci 2024;37:689–96. https://doi.org/10.5713/ab.23.0299.
8. Liu WC, Kim IH. Effects of dietary xylanase supplementation on performance and functional digestive parameters in broilers fed wheat-based diets. Poult Sci 2017;96:566–73. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps/pew258.
9. Zhang J, Zhou C, Zou H, et al. Effects of protease in soybean meal-reduced diets on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and intestinal health of weaned piglets. Animals 2023;14:101. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14010101.
10. Aviagen. Ross 308 nutrition specifications Scotland, UK: Aviagen Inc; 2019.
11. Lazaro R, Garcia M, Medel P, Mateos GG. Influence of enzymes on performance and digestive parameters of broilers fed rye-based diets. Poult Sci 2003;82:132–40. https://doi.org/10.1093/ps/82.1.132.
12. Sen S, Ingale SL, Kim YW, et al. Effect of supplementation of Bacillus subtilis LS 1–2 to broiler diets on growth performance, nutrient retention, caecal microbiology and small intestinal morphology. Res Vet Sci 2012;93:264–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rvsc.2011.05.021.
13. AOAC International. Official methods of analysis. Association of Official Analytical Chemists 18th edth ed. Gaithersburg, MD, USA: AOAC International; 2006.
14. Fenton TW, Fenton M. An improved procedure for the determination of chromic oxide in feed and feces. Can J Anim Sci 1979;59:631–4. https://doi.org/10.4141/cjas79-081.
15. Choi JY, Kim JS, Ingale SL, et al. Effect of potential multimicrobe probiotic product processed by high drying temperature and antibiotic on performance of weanling pigs. J Anim Sci 2011;89:1795–804. https://doi.org/10.2527/jas.2009-2794.
16. Mirshekar R, Dastar B, Shabanpour B, Hassani S. Effect of dietary nutrient density and vitamin premix withdrawal on performance and meat quality of broiler chickens. J Sci Food Agric 2013;93:2979–85. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.6127.
17. Dean DW, Bidner TD, Southern LL. Glycine supplementation to low protein, amino acid-supplemented diets supports optimal performance of broiler chicks. Poult Sci 2006;85:288–96. https://doi.org/10.1093/ps/85.2.288.
18. Attia GA, Metwally AE, Beheiry RR, Farahat MH. Effect of a multicarbohydrase supplementation to diets varying in metabolisable energy level on the performance, carcase traits, caecal microbiota, intestinal morphology, and nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens. Ital J Anim Sci 2021;20:215–25. https://doi.org/10.1080/1828051X.2021.1875337.
19. Kaczmarek SA, Rogiewicz A, Mogielnicka M, Rutkowski A, Jones RO, Slominski BA. The effect of protease, amylase, and nonstarch polysaccharide-degrading enzyme supplementation on nutrient utilization and growth performance of broiler chickens fed corn-soybean meal-based diets. Poult Sci 2014;93:1745–53. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps.2013-03739.
20. Bedford M, Cowieson AJ. Exogenous enzymes and their effects on intestinal microbiology. Anim Feed Sci Technol 2012;173:76–85. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2011.12.018.
21. Lu H, Adedokun SA, Preynat A, et al. Impact of exogenous carbohydrases and phytase on growth performance and nutrient digestibility in broilers. Can J Anim Sci 2013;93:243–9. https://doi.org/10.4141/cjas2012-138.
22. Silva SSP, Smithard RR. Effect of enzyme supplementation of a rye-based diet on xylanase activity in the small intestine of broilers, on intestinal crypt cell proliferation and on nutrient digestibility and growth performance of the birds. Br Poult Sci 2002;43:274–82. https://doi.org/10.1080/00071660120121508.
23. Tajudeen H, Ha SH, Hosseindoust A, et al. The pharmaceutical effect of Korean wild ginseng residue extract on the performance, microbiota quality, cytokine expression, and the ginseng saponin content of laying hen. Poult Sci 2024;103:103467. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2024.103467.
24. Courtin CM, Swennen K, Broekaert WF, et al. Effects of dietary inclusion of xylooligo‐saccharides, arabinoxylooligosaccha‐rides and soluble arabinoxylan on the microbial composition of caecal contents of chickens. J Sci Food Agric 2008;88:2517–22. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.3373.
25. Yaghobfar A, Kalantar M. Effect of non-starch polysaccharide (NSP) of wheat and barley supplemented with exogenous enzyme blend on growth performance, gut microbial, pancreatic enzyme activities, expression of glucose transporter (SGLT1) and mucin producer (MUC2) genes of broiler chickens. Braz J Poult Sci 2017;19:629–38. https://doi.org/10.1590/1806-9061-2016-0441.
26. Apperson KD, Cherian G. Effect of whole flax seed and carbohydrase enzymes on gastrointestinal morphology, muscle fatty acids, and production performance in broiler chickens. Poult Sci 2017;96:1228–34. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps/pew371.
27. Ravn JL, Thøgersen JC, Eklöf J, et al. GH11 xylanase increases prebiotic oligosaccharides from wheat bran favouring butyrate-producing bacteria in vitro. Anim Feed Sci Technol 2017;226:113–23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2017.02.011.
28. Roofchaei A, Rezaeipour V, Vatandour S, Zaefarian F. Influence of dietary carbohydrases, individually or in combination with phytase or an acidifier, on performance, gut morphology and microbial population in broiler chickens fed a wheat-based diet. Anim Nutr 2019;5:63–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aninu.2017.12.001.

Article information Continued

Table 1

Ingredient and chemical composition of basal diet, as-fed basis (Phase I)

Items Value
Metabolizable energy (Kcal/kg) 3,100 3,060 3,060 3,010 3.010
Crude protein (%) 22.00 21.50 21.50 21.50 21.50
Enzyme (%)1) 0 0 0.05 0 0.05
Ingredients (%)
 Corn 49.27 54.63 54.58 55.79 55.74
 Wheat 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00
 Soybean meal 45% 32.36 27.98 27.98 27.97 27.97
 Fish meal 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00
 Soy-oil 4.93 2.82 2.82 1.84 1.84
 Threonine 98.5% 0.00 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.02
 Lysine 78% 0.03 0.13 0.13 0.12 0.12
 Methionine 50% 0.52 0.48 0.48 0.47 0.47
 Choline 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10
 Limestone 1.65 1.49 1.49 1.49 1.49
 MDCP 1.29 1.09 1.09 1.09 1.09
 Salt 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20
 Mineral premix2) 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20
 Vitamin premix3) 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30
 Corn gluten 2.15 3.55 3.55 3.41 3.41
 Enzyme - - 0.05 - 0.05
 Total 100.00 100.00 100.0 100.0 100.0
Chemical composition, calculated (%)
 Metabolizable energy (Kcal/kg) 3,100 3,060 3,060 3,010 3,010
 Crude protein 22.00 21.50 21.50 21.50 21.50
 Calcium 1.00 0.90 0.90 0.90 0.90
 Available phosphorus 0.45 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40
 SID Lysine 1.20 1.17 1.17 1.17 1.17
 SID TSAA 0.94 0.90 0.90 0.90 0.90
 Threonine 0.80 0.77 0.77 0.77 0.77
 Tryptophan 0.25 0.22 0.22 0.22 0.22

MDCP, monodicalcium phosphate; SID, standardized ileal digestibiliy; TSAA, total sulfur amino acids; MNU, mannanase units; BAU, bacterial amylase units; FTU, phytase temperature units; PCU, protease catalytic units; XU, xylanase units.

1)

The multienzyme is a mix of mannanase, protease, amylase, phytase, and xylanase synthesised by controlled fermentation of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus licheniformis, Trichoderma citrinoviride, and Pichia pastoris respectively. The pure enzyme product provides 2,500,000 MNU/kg of β-mannanase, 800,000 BAU/kg of amylase, 1,000,000 FTU/kg of phytase, 1,000,000 PCU/kg of protease, 600,000 XU/kg of xylanase.

2)

Supplied per kg diet: 10,000 IU Vit A (retinyl acetate), 4,500 IU Vit D3 (cholecalciferol), 65 mg Vit E (DL-α-tocopheryl acetate), 1.5 mg Vit B1 (thiamine), 12 mg Vit B2 (riboflavin), 3.2 mg Vit B6 (pyridoxine), 0.011 mg Vit B12 (cyanocobalamin), 3.0 mg Vit K2 (menaquinone), 18 mg Vit B5 (pantothenic acid), 60 mg Vit B3 (nicotinic acid), 0.18 mg Vit B7 (biotin), 1.9 mg Vit B9 (folic acid),18 mg antioxidants (ethoxyquin).

3)

Supplied per kg diet: 20 mg Fe, 16 mg Cu, 110 mg Zn, 120 mg Mn, 1.25 mg I, 0.9 mg Co, 0.3 mg Se.

Table 2

Ingredient and chemical composition of basal diet, as-fed basis (Phase II)

Items Value
Metabolizable energy (Kcal/kg) 3,200 3,150 3,150 3,100 3,100
Crude protein (%) 20.00 19.50 19.50 19.50 19.50
Enzyme (%)1) 0 0 0.05 0 0.05
Ingredients (%)
 Corn 50.68 55.32 55.27 56.47 56.42
 Wheat 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.0 10.00
 Soybean meal 45% 24.55 21.01 21.01 21.0 21.00
 Soy-oil 5.00 2.99 2.99 2.02 2.02
 Threonine 98.5% 0.06 0.08 0.08 0.07 0.07
 Lysine 78% 0.26 0.32 0.32 0.32 0.32
 Methionine 50% 0.51 0.50 0.50 0.49 0.49
 Choline 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05
 Limestone 1.70 1.67 1.67 1.67 1.67
 MDCP 1.33 1.13 1.13 1.12 1.12
 Salt 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20
 Mineral premix2) 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20
 Vitamin premix3) 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30
 Corn gluten 5.16 6.23 6.23 6.09 6.09
 Enzyme - - 0.05 - 0.05
 Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
Chemical composition, calculated (%)
 Metabolizable energy 3,200 3,150 3,150 3,100 3,100
 Crude protein 20.00 19.50 19.50 19.50 19.50
 Calcium 0.90 0.85 0.85 0.85 0.85
 Available phosphorus 0.40 0.35 0.35 0.35 0.35
 SID Lysine 1.10 1.07 1.07 1.07 1.07
 SID TSAA 0.84 0.81 0.81 0.81 0.81
 Threonine 0.71 0.68 0.68 0.68 0.68
 Tryptophan 0.20 0.18 0.18 0.18 0.18

MDCP, monodicalcium phosphate; SID, standardized ileal digestibiliy; TSAA, total sulfur amino acids; MNU, mannanase units; BAU, bacterial amylase units; FTU, phytase temperature units; PCU, protease catalytic units; XU, xylanase units

1)

The multienzyme is a mix of mannanase, protease, amylase, phytase, and xylanase synthesised by controlled fermentation of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus licheniformis, Trichoderma citrinoviride, and Pichia pastoris respectively. The pure enzyme product provides 2,500,000 MNU/kg of β-mannanase, 800,000 BAU/kg of amylase, 1,000,000 FTU/kg of phytase, 1,000,000 PCU/kg of protease, 600,000 XU/kg of xylanase.

2)

Supplied per kg diet: 10,000 IU Vit A (retinyl acetate), 4,500 IU Vit D3 (cholecalciferol), 65 mg Vit E (DL-α-tocopheryl acetate), 1.5 mg Vit B1 (thiamine), 12 mg Vit B2 (riboflavin), 3.2 mg Vit B6 (pyridoxine), 0.011 mg Vit B12 (cyanocobalamin), 3.0 mg Vit K2 (menaquinone), 18 mg Vit B5 (pantothenic acid), 60 mg Vit. B3 (nicotinic acid), 0.18 mg Vit B7 (biotin), 1.9 mg Vit B9 (folic acid), 18 mg antioxidants (ethoxyquin).

3)

Supplied per kg diet: 20 mg Fe, 16 mg Cu, 110 mg Zn, 120 mg Mn, 1.25 mg I, 0.9 mg Co, 0.3 mg Se.

Table 3

Effects of nutrient density of diet and supplementation of exogenous enzyme blend on growth performance of broiler

Items Value SEM p-value
ME (Kcal/kg, S/F)1) 3,100/3,200 3,060/3,150 3,060/3,150 3,010/3,100 3,010/3,100
CP (%, S/F)2) 22.00/20.00 21.50/19.50 21.50/19.50 21.50/19.50 21.50/19.50
Enzyme (%)3) - - 0.05 - 0.05
Starter (d 1 to 21)
 Body weight gain (g) 785a 740bc 791a 715c 779ab 6.31 <0.001
 Feed intake (g) 1,115 1,152 1,129 1,144 1,127 11.66 0.903
 FCR 1.42b 1.56ab 1.43b 1.60a 1.45b 0.02 0.002
Finisher (d 22 to 35)
 Body weight gain (g) 1,125a 1,078ab 1,128a 1,038b 1,119a 8.76 0.003
 Feed intake (g) 2,082 2,088 2,062 2,054 2,071 6.39 0.402
 FCR 1.85b 1.94ab 1.83b 1.98a 1.85b 0.02 0.006
Overall (d 1 to 35)
 Body weight gain (g) 1,910a 1,818bc 1,920a 1,752c 1,897ab 13.51 <0.001
 Feed intake (g) 3,197 3,240 3,191 3,198 3,198 14.17 0.841
 FCR 1.67b 1.78a 1.66b 1.83a 1.69b 0.01 <0.001

SEM, standard error of means; ME, metabolizable energy; S/F, starter/finisher; CP, crude proein; FCR, feed conversion ratio; MNU, mannanase units; BAU, bacterial amylase units; FTU, phytase temperature units; PCU, protease catalytic units; XU, xylanase units.

1)

Dietary metabolizable energy level in starter and finisher stage.

2)

Dietary crude protein level in starter and finisher stage.

3)

The multienzyme is a mix of mannanase, protease, amylase, phytase, and xylanase synthesised by controlled fermentation of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus licheniformis, Trichoderma citrinoviride, and Pichia pastoris respectively. The pure enzyme product provides 2,500,000 MNU/kg of β-mannanase, 800,000 BAU/kg of amylase, 1,000,000 FTU/kg of phytase, 1,000,000 PCU/kg of protease, 600,000 XU/kg of xylanase.

a–c

Values with different superscripts in the same row are different (p<0.05).

Table 4

Effects of nutrient density of diet and supplementation of exogenous enzyme blend on faecal and ileal digestibility of broiler (d 35)

Items Value SEM p-value
ME (Kcal/kg, S/F)1) 3,100/3,200 3,060/3,150 3,060/3,150 3,010/3,100 3,010/3,100
CP (%, S/F)2) 22.00/20.00 21.50/19.50 21.50/19.50 21.50/19.50 21.50/19.50
Enzyme (%)3) - - 0.05 - 0.05
Faeces (%)
 Dry matter 76.81 76.10 77.13 75.88 76.79 0.15 0.051
 Gross energy 77.86 77.15 78.25 76.73 77.76 0.17 0.054
 Crude protein 68.24ab 67.54b 68.82a 67.17b 68.25ab 0.19 0.049
 Calcium 42.45 41.96 43.31 41.27 42.41 0.24 0.129
 Phosphorus 40.34 39.68 41.41 38.98 40.40 0.26 0.061
Ileal (%)
 Dry matter 75.19 74.61 75.54 74.08 75.16 0.16 0.053
 Gross energy 76.04a 75.66ab 76.47a 75.17b 75.88ab 0.14 0.046
 Crude protein 66.67 66.22 67.29 65.65 66.64 0.18 0.076
 Calcium 40.58 39.76 41.25 39.26 40.67 0.26 0.153
 Phosphorus 38.73ab 38.24b 39.92a 37.40b 38.80ab 0.27 0.050

SEM, standard error of means; ME, metabolizable energy; S/F, starter/finisher; CP, crude proein; MNU, mannanase units; BAU, bacterial amylase units; FTU, phytase temperature units; PCU, protease catalytic units; XU, xylanase units.

1)

Dietary metabolizable energy level in starter and finisher stage.

2)

Dietary crude protein level in starter and finisher stage.

3)

The multienzyme is a mix of mannanase, protease, amylase, phytase, and xylanase synthesised by controlled fermentation of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus licheniformis, Trichoderma citrinoviride, and Pichia pastoris respectively. The pure enzyme product provides 2,500,000 MNU/kg of β-mannanase, 800,000 BAU/kg of amylase, 1,000,000 FTU/kg of phytase, 1,000,000 PCU/kg of protease, 600,000 XU/kg of xylanase.

a–b

Values with different superscripts in the same row are different (p<0.05).

Table 5

Effects of nutrient density of diet and supplementation of exogenous enzyme blend on blood metabolites in broiler

Items Value SEM p-value
ME (Kcal/kg, S/F)1) 3,100/3,200 3,060/3,150 3,060/3,150 3,010/3,100 3,010/3,100
CP (%, S/F)2) 22.00/20.00 21.50/19.50 21.50/19.50 21.50/19.50 21.50/19.50
Enzyme (%)3) - - 0.05 - 0.05
Glucose (μM/dL)
 21 d 128.88 123.68 127.57 129.03 124.72 1.60 0.297
 35 d 135.97 131.39 133.13 136.94 133.27 1.53 0.163
Triglyceride (mg/dL)
 21 d 33.50 30.63 30.88 32.88 29.25 0.63 0.136
 35 d 35.75 31.13 29.88 31.25 35.13 1.09 0.239
Cholesterol (mg/dL)
 21 d 123.50 128.75 129.00 123.25 128.50 1.24 0.415
 35 d 124.75 127.25 122.00 121.63 128.88 1.27 0.327
Calcium (μM/dL)
 21 d 25.70 25.03 26.07 24.55 24.43 0.15 0.079
 35 d 25.92 25.15 26.27 24.73 25.53 0.16 0.061
Phosphorus (μM/dL)
 21 d 2.85a 2.73ab 2.94a 2.61b 2.81ab 0.10 0.044
 35 d 2.95a 2.81ab 3.01a 2.70b 2.89ab 0.10 0.049

SEM, standard error of means; ME, metabolizable energy; S/F, starter/finisher; CP, crude proein; MNU, mannanase units; BAU, bacterial amylase units; FTU, phytase temperature units; PCU, protease catalytic units; XU, xylanase units.

1)

Dietary metabolizable energy level in starter and finisher stage.

2)

Dietary crude protein level in starter and finisher stage.

3)

The multienzyme is a mix of mannanase, protease, amylase, phytase, and xylanase synthesised by controlled fermentation of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus licheniformis, Trichoderma citrinoviride, and Pichia pastoris, respectively. The pure enzyme product provides 2,500,000 MNU/kg of β-mannanase, 800,000 BAU/kg of amylase, 1,000,000 FTU/kg of phytase, 1,000,000 PCU/kg of protease, 600,000 XU/kg of xylanase.

a–b

Values with different superscripts in the same row are different (p<0.05).

Table 6

Effects of nutrient density of diet and supplementation of exogenous enzyme blend on intestinal microflora of broiler (d 35)

Items Value SEM p-value
ME (Kcal/kg, S/F)1) 3,100/3,200 3,060/3,150 3,060/3,150 3,010/3,100 3,010/3,100
CP (%, S/F)2) 22.00/20.00 21.50/19.50 21.50/19.50 21.50/19.50 21.50/19.50
Enzyme (%)3) - - 0.05 - 0.05
Total anaerobic bacteria (log10 cfu/g)
 Ileum 9.77b 10.07a 9.81b 10.13a 9.92ab 0.05 0.007
 Cecum 9.86 10.19 9.83 10.16 9.94 0.06 0.168
Lactobacillus spp. (log10 cfu/g)
 Ileum 9.15 8.79 9.21 8.67 9.08 0.07 0.087
 Caecum 9.49 9.07 9.55 8.94 9.45 0.08 0.095
Coliform bacteria (log10 cfu/g)
 Ileum 7.32 7.52 7.24 7.61 7.37 0.05 0.112
 Cecum 7.41bc 7.64ab 7.34c 7.75a 7.46bc 0.05 0.007
Clostridium spp. (log10 cfu/g)
 Ileum 7.16 7.38 7.02 7.45 7.13 0.06 0.137
 Caecum 7.41 7.73 7.35 7.60 7.44 0.06 0.187

SEM, standard error of means; ME, metabolizable energy; S/F, starter/finisher; CP, crude proein; MNU, mannanase units; BAU, bacterial amylase units; FTU, phytase temperature units; PCU, protease catalytic units; XU, xylanase units

1)

Dietary metabolizable energy level in starter and finisher stage.

2)

Dietary crude protein level in starter and finisher stage.

3)

The multienzyme is a mix of mannanase, protease, amylase, phytase, and xylanase synthesised by controlled fermentation of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus licheniformis, Trichoderma citrinoviride, and Pichia pastoris, respectively. The pure enzyme product provides 2,500,000 MNU/kg of β-mannanase, 800,000 BAU/kg of amylase, 1,000,000 FTU/kg of phytase, 1,000,000 PCU/kg of protease, 600,000 XU/kg of xylanase.

a–c

Values with different superscripts in the same row are different (p<0.05).

Table 7

Effects of nutrient density of diet and supplementation of exogenous enzyme blend on intestinal morphology of broiler (d 35)

Items Value SEM p-value
ME (Kcal/kg, S/F)1) 3,100/3,200 3,060/3,150 3,060/3,150 3,010/3,100 3,010/3,100
CP (%, S/F)2) 22.00/20.00 21.50/19.50 21.50/19.50 21.50/19.50 21.50/19.50
Enzyme (%)3) - - 0.05 - 0.05
Duodenum
 Villus height (μm) 1685.85 1652.09 1701.36 1624.07 1679.64 9.08 0.068
 Crypt depth (μm) 146.49 158.76 144.90 167.00 156.00 2.95 0.128
 VH/CD 11.71 10.52 11.94 9.88 10.91 0.27 0.119
Jejunum
 Villus height (μm) 837.28a 781.46ab 849.73a 742.43b 813.77ab 12.09 0.042
 Crypt depth (μm) 108.92 114.10 103.56 112.43 106.12 1.49 0.180
 VH/CD 7.79 6.92 8.30 6.69 7.78 0.21 0.112
Ileum
 Villus height (μm) 691.94 672.93 708.70 649.24 688.00 6.58 0.061
 Crypt depth (μm) 100.23 102.43 96.50 101.19 96.54 0.98 0.242
 VH/CD 6.94 6.61 7.38 6.45 7.18 0.13 0.155

SEM, standard error of means; VH, villus height; CD, crypt depth.

1)

Dietary metabolizable energy level in starter and finisher stage.

2)

Dietary crude protein level in starter and finisher stage.

3)

The multienzyme is a mix of mannanase, protease, amylase, phytase, and xylanase synthesised by controlled fermentation of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus licheniformis, Trichoderma citrinoviride, and Pichia pastoris, respectively. The pure enzyme product provides 2,500,000 MNU/kg of β-mannanase, 800,000 BAU/kg of amylase, 1,000,000 FTU/kg of phytase, 1,000,000 PCU/kg of protease, 600,000 XU/kg of xylanase.

a–b

Values with different superscripts in the same row are different (p<0.05).