Corn drying temperature, particle size, and amylase supplementation influence growth performance, digestive tract development, and nutrient utilization of broilers

Carotenoid content and deposition efficiency in yolks of laying hens fed with dent corn hybrids differing in grain hardness and processing

Yolk carotenoid profile reflects the hen diet when corn grain is the only source of carotenoids, but corn origin and processing may affect carotenoid utilization. In the present study, 2 commercial dent corn hybrids differing in grain hardness (soft- and hard-type) were dried at low (40°C) and high (85°C) temperature and ground through a 5- and 9-mm sieve to investigate their effects on carotenoid bioavailability in laying hens. With 3 hens per cage, 168 Lohmann Brown laying hens were allocated to 8 dietary treatments (2 hybrids × 2 drying temperatures × 2 grinding sieves) in a completely randomized design (8 treatments × 7 cages). The trial lasted 8 wk, during which eggs were collected for analysis every 3 d until carotenoid content stabilized, and then once a week until the end of the experiment. The carotenoid profile of the experimental diets and yolks was analyzed using an HPLC method and deposition efficiency was calculated based on carotenoid contents, yolk weight, egg production and diet intake. The deposition efficiency for lutein, zeaxanthin, α- and β-cryptoxanthin, and β-carotene averaged 27.37, 18.67, 6.29, 3,32, and 0.94%, respectively. As expected, the tested hybrids highly affected the carotenoid content in egg yolk due to their differences in carotenoid profile. Interestingly, hard- and soft-type hybrids differed in the deposition efficiency for all individual carotenoids but not for the total carotenoids. High grain drying temperature tended to increase the bioavailability of lutein and zeaxanthin in both hybrids. For the hard-type hybrid, the content of β-carotene in egg yolk was higher when grains were dried at a high temperature, while the opposite response was found in the soft-type hybrid. The effect of grinding sieve size was important for the zeaxanthin bioavailability in the soft-type hybrid only. In conclusion, our findings showed that corn hybrid had a primary influence on the carotenoid content in the yolks of laying hens, but grain processing may change the bioavailability of carotenoids.

Using in feed xylanase or stimbiotic to reduce the variability in corn nutritive value for broiler chickens

This study investigated the effects of xylanase and stimbiotic (fiber fermentation enhancer) on the response of broiler chickens fed different corn varieties and determine correlations between variables of interest. Four corn genetic varieties were selected based on their range in nutrient composition. Diets containing 600 g/kg of each corn were supplemented with 0 or 100 g/ton of xylanase or stimbiotic. A total of 1,152 one-day-old male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were divided into 12 treatments, each with 8 pens and 12 birds per pen, for a 21-day study. On d 21, performance parameters were measured, and the ileal energy and organic matter (OM) digestibility and cecal xylanase activity determined. Stimbiotic supplementation improved mFCR compared with all other treatments. There was a treatment by corn variety interaction for body weight (BW), BW gain and coefficient of variation (CV) of BW (P ≤ 0.05). Birds fed corn Variety 1 (highest neutral dietary fiber, protein and soluble arabinoxylan content) supplemented with stimbiotic had the highest BW, while Variety 2 control diet had the lowest. The BW CV in corn Variety 2 was the highest, which improved with stimbiotic supplementation. The BW CV in corn Variety 1 responded better to stimbiotic than xylanase. There were no treatment differences on BW CV in corn Varieties 3 and 4. The lowest OM digestibility was observed in birds fed corn Variety 1 with xylanase, and the highest value was associated with corn Variety 3 with xylanase (highest total arabinoxylan). Xylanase and stimbiotic supplementation increased the endogenous xylanase activity regardless of the corn variety (P ≤ 0.05). Positive correlations between corn fiber contents and phytic acid and the arabinose:xylose ratio were seen, while nonstarch polysaccharide content was negatively correlated with apparent metabolizable energy. In conclusion, corn variety influenced nutrient digestibility and broiler chicken growth. The response to supplementation with xylanase or stimbiotic varied based on the nutritional profile of corn with regards to improvements in digestibility and performance in broiler chickens.

Evaluation of particle size and feed form on performance, carcass characteristics, nutrient digestibility, and gastrointestinal tract development of broilers at 39 d of age

The objective of this study was to evaluate combined effects of corn particle size and feed form on performance, carcass characteristics, nutrient digestibility, and gastrointestinal tract development of broilers from 1 to 39 d of age. A total of 1,800 days old, male Cobb 500 broilers were randomly assigned to 9 dietary treatments with 8 replicate pens (25 birds/pen). The experiment consisted of a factorial arrangement of 3 corn particle sizes (750, 1,150, and 1,550 μm) and 3 feed forms (mash, 3- and 4-mm pellets) provided from 1 to 39 d. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) was added as an indigestible marker (0.5%) during the finisher phase (27-39 d) to determine nutrient digestibility. Feed intake (FI), body weight (BW), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were determined at 17, 27, and 39 d of age, with FCR adjusted for mortality. On d 40, 10 birds/pen were randomly selected and processed for meat yield determination. Data were analyzed as a 3×3 factorial (particle size x feed form) arrangement of treatments. Broilers fed 3- and 4-mm pellets had increased (P < 0.05) BW, FI, and lower FCR than broilers fed mash diets at 39 d of age. At 39 d of age, broilers fed diets with 750 µm corn particle size had heavier (P < 0.05) BW and increased FI than broilers fed diets with corn particle sizes of 1,150 and 1,550 µm. At 39 d of age FCR was unaffected by corn particle size. Heavier (P < 0.05) carcass and breast weights were observed for broilers fed 3-mm pellets. Broilers fed diets with corn particle size of 750 µm had heavier (P < 0.05) carcass and breast weight than broilers fed diets with 1,550 µm. Digestibility of nutrients was higher (P < 0.05) in pelleted diets, particularly when corn particle size was increased from 750 to 1,550 µm. Breast myopathies such as wooden breast (WB) and spaghetti meat (SM), were greater (P < 0.05) in broilers fed 3-mm pellets compared to mash diets. In conclusion, broilers fed 3- and 4-mm pelleted diets had greater nutrient digestibility and improved broiler performance compared to broilers fed mash diets.

Carbohydrases and Phytase in Poultry and Pig Nutrition: A Review beyond the Nutrients and Energy Matrix

This review aimed to clarify the mechanisms through which exogenous enzymes (carbohydrases and phytase) influence intestinal health, as well as their effects on the nutrients and energy matrix in diets fed to poultry and pigs reared under sanitary challenging conditions. Enzyme supplementation can positively affect intestinal microbiota, immune system, and enhance antioxidant status. Although enzymes have been shown to save energy and nutrients, their responses under sanitary challenging conditions are poorly documented. Immune system activation alters nutrient partitioning, which can affect the matrix values for exogenous enzymes on commercial farms. Notably, the carbohydrases and phytase supplementation under sanitary challenging conditions align with energy and nutritional valorization matrices. Studies conducted under commercial conditions have shown that matrices containing carbohydrases and phytase can maintain growth performance and health in poultry and pigs. However, these studies have predominantly focused on assessing a single level of reduction in energy and/or available phosphorus and total calcium, limiting our ability to quantify potential energy and nutrient savings in the diet. Future research should delve deeper into determining the extent of energy and nutrient savings and understanding the effects of alone or blended enzymes supplementation to achieve more specific insights.

Computational Insights into the Selecting Mechanism of α-Amylase Immobilized on Cellulose Nanocrystals: Unveiling the Potential of α-Amylases Immobilized for Efficient Poultry Feed Hydrolysis

The selection of an appropriate amylase for hydrolysis poultry feed is crucial for achieving improved digestibility and high-quality feed. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), which are known for their high surface area, provide an excellent platform for enzyme immobilization. Immobilization greatly enhances the operational stability of α-amylases and the efficiency of starch bioconversion in poultry feeds. In this study, we immobilized two metagenome-derived α-amylases, PersiAmy2 and PersiAmy3, on CNCs and employed computational methods to characterize and compare the degradation efficiencies of these enzymes for poultry feed hydrolysis. Experimental in vitro bioconversion assessments were performed to validate the computational outcomes. Molecular docking studies revealed the superior hydrolysis performance of PersiAmy3, which displayed stronger electrostatic interactions with CNCs. Experimental characterization demonstrated the improved performance of both α-amylases after immobilization at high temperatures (80 °C). A similar trend was observed under alkaline conditions, with α-amylase activity reaching 88% within a pH range of 8.0 to 9.0. Both immobilized α-amylases exhibited halotolerance at NaCl concentrations up to 3 M and retained over 50% of their initial activity after 13 use cycles. Notably, PersiAmy3 displayed more remarkable improvements than PersiAmy2 following immobilization, including a significant increase in activity from 65 to 80.73% at 80 °C, an increase in activity to 156.48% at a high salinity of 3 M NaCl, and a longer half-life, indicating greater thermal stability within the range of 60 to 80 °C. These findings were substantiated by the in vitro hydrolysis of poultry feed, where PersiAmy3 generated 53.53 g/L reducing sugars. This comprehensive comparison underscores the utility of computational methods as a faster and more efficient approach for selecting optimal enzymes for poultry feed hydrolysis, thereby providing valuable insights into enhancing feed digestibility and quality.

Growth performance of broiler chickens fed diets supplemented with amylase and protease enzymes individually or combined

Background

Feed additives that increase nutrient availability in feeds have gained a lot of interest.

Aim

An experiment was conducted to determine whether amylase, protease, and their combined supplementation affected broiler performance.

Methods

Two hundred eighty broiler chicks were selected and distributed randomly into 28 replicate pens with four treatment groups and seven replicates under a completely randomized design. A total of four diets were developed, having 0, 100, 100, and 100 + 100 g of control (AP0), amylase (A1), protease (P1), and amylase + protease (AP1)/ton of feed, respectively. Four replicates of each treatment were fed each diet. Each diet was randomly allotted to each group. Ad-libitum feeding was provided to the birds. The feeding program had starter and finisher diets. Upon completion of the experiment, three birds from each pen were slaughtered to analyze the carcass characteristics and organ weight.

Results

Differences were insignificant between 100 g/ton of amylase supplementation and FI, body weight gain (BWG), or feed conversion ratio (FCR) (p > 0.05). Supplementation with 10 0g/ton of protease did not significantly affect FI, BWG, and FCR (p > 0.05). Similarly, 100 + 100 g/ton of amylase + protease addition had no significant effect on FI, BWG, and FCR (p > 0.05). None of the treatments significantly affected carcass weight, abdominal fat percentage, dressing percentage, drumstick, wings, breast, and thigh weights (p > 0.05). In addition, there were no significant effects (p > 0.05) on the weight of the heart, liver, gizzard, and spleen.

Conclusion

In conclusion, amylase, protease, and their combined supplementation at a rate of 100 g/ton of feed did not influence BWG, FI, FCR, carcass characteristics, or organ weight.

Effect of Corn Grinding Methods and Particle Size on the Nutrient Digestibility of Chahua Chickens

This study investigates the effect of grinding methods, including roller mill, hammer mill, and two-stage grinding, on the particle size distribution of corn and the effect of corn particle size on the nutrient digestibility of native chickens in Southwest China. The roller mill, hammer mill, and a combination of the hammer mill and roller mill were used to obtain corn with various coarseness. Corn with different coarseness obtained using a combination of the hammer mill and roller mill was fed to Chahua chicken No. 2-type chickens (CHC2s). A total of 192 CHC2s in weeks 12 and 19 were randomly allocated to eight groups in triplicate. The results show that the geometric mean diameter (d_gw) and the geometric standard deviation (S_gw) were significantly (p < 0.05) affected by the grinding methods. The S_gw obtained when using a sieve of 2.0 mm in a hammer mill was lower (p < 0.05) than that obtained using a 4.5 mm sieve. Combining the roller mill and hammer mill increased the uniformity of the particle size when grinding coarse particles. For fine particles, the d_gw and S_gw obtained when using the hammer mill were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than those obtained when using the roller mill and two-stage grinding method. Reducing the particle size of the corn (<900 µm) significantly increased the dry matter, crude protein, amino acid digestibility, and apparent metabolizable energy in the chicken in weeks 12 and 19. Fine particles significantly increased the crude protein digestibility of the CHC2s at week 12, while there was no significant effect on the crude protein and amino acid digestibility in the CHC2s at week 19. In conclusion, different grinding methods can affect the particle size distribution. For a coarse particle size, combining the roller mill and hammer mill tends to produce a more uniform particle size. Finely ground corn (between 700 µm and 900 µm) improved the dry matter (DM), apparent metabolizable energy (AME), and crude protein (CP) digestibility of the CHC2s at week 12. An increased particle size did not impact the CP and amino acid (AA) digestibility of the CHC2s at week 19.

Purification and characterization of aspartic protease from Aspergillus niger and its efficient hydrolysis applications in soy protein degradation

BACKGROUND

Adding acid protease to feed can enhance protein digestibility, boost feed utilization, and stimulate the growth of animals in breading industry. In order to obtain an acid protease with high hydrolysis efficiency to plant protein, in this study, an aspartic protease from Aspergillus niger was heterologous expressed in Pichia pastoris (P. pastoris). The enzymatic properties and application in soybean protein degradation were also studied.

RESULTS

In our investigation, the high aspartic protease (Apa1) activity level of 1500 U/mL was achieved in 3 L bioreactor. After dialysis and anion exchange chromatography, the total enzyme activity and specific enzyme activity were 9412 U and 4852 U/mg, respectively. The molecular weight of the purified protease was 50 kDa, while the optimal pH and temperature were 3.0 and 50 °C, respectively. It was stable at pH 2.0-5.0 and 30-60 °C. Apa1 was used to hydrolyze soybean isolate protein (SPI) at 40 °C and pH 3.0, and a high hydrolysis degree (DH) of 61.65% was achieved. In addition, the molecular weight distribution of SPI hydrolysis products was studied, the result showed that the hydrolysis products were primarily oligopeptides with molecular weights of 189 Da or below.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, Apa1 was successfully expressed in P. pastoris and high expression level was obtained. In addition, the highest protein hydrolysis rate to SPI degradation so far was achieved. The acid protease in this study provides a new protease that is suitable for the feed industry, which will be very helpful to improve the feed utilization and promote the development of the breeding industry.

Effects of corn hardness and drying temperature on digestibility of energy and nutrients in diets fed to growing pigs

Two experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis that corn kernel hardness and drying temperature influence the ileal digestibility of starch and amino acids (AA), as well as apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of gross energy (GE) and total dietary fiber (TDF) in diets for growing pigs. Two corn varieties with average or hard endosperm were grown and harvested under similar conditions, and after harvest, each variety was divided into 2 batches that were dried at 35 and 120 °C, respectively. Therefore, four batches of corn were used. In experiment 1, 10 pigs (67.00 ± 2.98 kg) with a T-cannula installed in the distal ileum were allotted to a replicated 5 × 5 Latin square design with 5 diets and 5 periods giving 10 replicates per diet. A nitrogen-free diet and four diets containing each source of corn as the only AA source were formulated. Results indicated that neither variety of corn nor drying temperature influenced apparent ileal digestibility of starch in the grain. The standardized ileal digestibility of most AA was less (P < 0.05) in corn dried at 120 °C compared with corn dried at 35 °C resulting in concentrations of most standardized ileal digestible AA being less (P < 0.05) in corn dried at 120 °C than in corn dried at 35 °C. In experiment 2, 40 pigs (20.82 ± 1.74 kg) were housed in metabolism crates and allotted to 4 diets with 10 replicate pigs per diet. The four corn-based diets used in experiment 1 were also used in experiment 2. Feces and urine were collected using the marker-to-marker approach with 5-d adaptation and 4-d collection periods. Results indicated that diets containing hard endosperm corn had greater (P < 0.05) ATTD of TDF than diets containing average endosperm corn. The ATTD of GE in hard endosperm corn was also greater (P < 0.05), and concentrations of digestible energy and metabolizable energy in hard endosperm corn were greater (P < 0.01) than in average endosperm corn. Diets containing corn dried at 120 °C had greater (P < 0.05) ATTD of TDF compared with diets containing corn dried at 35 °C; however, drying temperature did not influence the ATTD of GE. In conclusion, endosperm hardness did not influence the digestibility of AA and starch; however, drying corn at 120 °C reduced digestible AA concentrations. Hard endosperm corn had greater ATTD of GE and TDF, but drying temperature did not influence energy digestibility.

Fermented grape seed meal promotes broiler growth and reduces abdominal fat deposition through intestinal microorganisms

The fermentation of grape seed meal, a non-conventional feed resource, improves its conventional nutritional composition, promotes the growth and development of livestock and fat metabolism by influencing the structure and diversity of intestinal bacteria. In this study, the nutritional components of Fermented grape seed meal (FGSM) and their effects on the growth performance, carcass quality, serum biochemistry, and intestinal bacteria of yellow feather broilers were investigated. A total of 240 male 14-day-old yellow-feathered broilers were randomly selected and divided into four groups, with three replicates of 20 chickens each. Animals were fed diets containing 0% (Group I), 2% (Group II), 4% (Group III), or 6% (Group IV) FGSM until they were 56 days old. The results showed that Acid soluble protein (ASP) and Crude protein (CP) contents increased, Acid detergent fiber (ADF) and Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) contents decreased, and free amino acid content increased in the FGSM group. The non-targeted metabolome identified 29 differential metabolites in FGSM, including organic acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and monosaccharides. During the entire trial period, Average daily gain (ADG) increased and Feed conversion ratio (FCR) decreased in response to dietary FGSM supplementation (p < 0.05). TP content in the serum increased and BUN content decreased in groups III and IV (p < 0.05). Simultaneously, the serum TG content in group III and the abdominal fat rate in group IV were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). The results of gut microbiota analysis showed that FGSM could significantly increase the Shannon and Simpson indices of broilers (35 days). Reducing the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes significantly altered cecal microbiota composition by increasing the relative abundance of Firmicutes (p < 0.05). By day 56, butyric acid content increased in the cecal samples from Group III (p < 0.05). In addition, Spearman's correlation analysis revealed a strong correlation between broiler growth performance, abdominal fat percentage, SCFAs, and gut microbes. In summary, the addition of appropriate levels of FGSM to rations improved broiler growth performance and reduced fat deposition by regulating gut microbes through differential metabolites and affecting the microbiota structure and SCFA content of the gut.

The role of feed enzymes in maintaining poultry intestinal health

Gut health or intestinal health is frequently discussed without any clear definition as to its meaning. It is suggested that this should be defined as intestinal integrity and functionality as both are a pre-requisite for the health of the intestine itself and the host. The health of the intestine is dependent upon a successful evolution of the absorptive capacity of the intestine, which in turn is influenced by the co-evolution of the intestinal immune systems and the microbiota. Nutrient supply plays a significant role in this process and from the perspective of the microbiota this changes with age as the intestines and upper gastrointestinal tract (GIT) microbiota become more effective in nutrient removal. Feed enzymes play a significant role in this process. Phytases can improve digestion of minerals, amino acids and energy and as a result reduce the availability of nutrients in the lower intestines for the microbiota. Protease can have a similar effect with amino acid supply. Non-starch polysaccharidases (NSPases) have a unique role in that they not only improve diet digestibility from the hosts perspective, thus limiting nutrient supply to the microbiota, but they also release soluble fragments of fibre from the insoluble matrix and/or depolymerize high molecular weight viscous fibre fractions in to smaller, more fermentable carbohydrate fractions. This results in a more favourable balance between fermentable carbohydrate to protein supply, a ratio which is deemed critical to maintaining good intestinal health. The dynamic nature of this complex evolution needs greater consideration if antibiotic free production is to succeed. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Corn kernel hardness, drying temperature and amylase supplementation affect live performance and nutrient utilization of broilers

Drying temperature (DT) of corn can influence its nutritional quality, but whether this is influenced by endosperm hardness is not clear. Two parallel experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of 2 yellow dent corn hybrids with average and hard kernel hardness, dried at 3 temperatures (35, 80, and 120°C), and 2 supplementation levels of an exogenous amylase (0, 133 g/ton of feed) on live performance, starch and protein digestibility, and energy utilization of Ross 708 male broilers. Twelve dietary treatments consisting of a 2 × 3 × 2 factorial arrangement were evaluated using 3-way ANOVA in a randomized complete block design. In Experiment 1, a total of 1,920 male-chicks were randomly allocated to 96 floor pens, whereas 480 day-old chicks were distributed among 96 cages for Experiment 2. At 40 d, interaction effects (P < 0.05) were detected on BWG, FCR, and flock uniformity. Supplementation with exogenous amylase resulted in heavier broilers, better FCR and flock uniformity, only in the diets based on corn dried at 35°C. Additionally, interaction effects were observed on FCR due to kernel hardness and DT (P < 0.01), kernel hardness and amylase supplementation (P < 0.001), and DT and amylase supplementation (P < 0.05). Exogenous amylase addition to the diets based on corn with an average hardness improved FCR up to 2 points (1.49 vs. 1.51 g:g) whereas there was no effect of amylase on FCR of broilers fed diets based on corn with hard endosperm. Total tract retention of starch was increased (P < 0.05) in broilers fed diets based on corn with average kernel hardness compared to hard kernel. Corn dried at 80 and 120°C had up to 1.21% points less starch total tract retention than the one dried at 35°C. Supplementing alpha-amylase resulted in beneficial effects for broiler live performance, energy utilization, and starch total tract digestibility results. Treatment effects on starch characteristics were explored. Corn endosperm hardness, DT and exogenous amylase can influence the live performance of broilers. However, these factors are not independent and so must be manipulated strategically to improve broiler performance.

Influence of Enzyme Supplementation in the Diets of Broiler Chickens Formulated with Different Corn Hybrids Dried at Various Temperatures

Simple Summary

The use of exogenous enzymes is a common nutrition strategy of the poultry industry. However, the influence of this additive on the microbiota and its efficiency when the diets are formulated with different hybrids of corn dried under high temperature are still unclear. From a practical point of view, evaluating the mode of action of enzymes in different situations is crucial to ensure competitive performance results with low production costs. The current study confirmed that regardless of corn hybrids and drying temperature, dietary supplementation with amylase, xylanase, and protease was beneficial for intestinal morphology and allowed a modulation of the cecal microbiota. This influence may have changed the digestive process and use of nutrients by the broilers, resulting in better animal performance.

Abstract

We evaluated the influence of enzymatic supplementation on the growth performance and cecal microbiota of broilers. A total of 2160 1-day-old male chicks were used in a 3 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement (three corn hybrids, two drying temperatures −80 and 110 °C, with or without the inclusion of an enzymatic blend (amylase, xylanase, and protease) (20 birds/pen, n = 9). For all performance and digestibility parameters, we observed, in general, isolated effects of the corn hybrids and drying temperature. Birds that received the enzymatic blend in the diet showed better weight gain from 1 to 21 days (d) and better digestibility coefficients of nutrients at 42 d. Birds fed diets with corn dried at 80 °C showed a better feed conversion ratio from 1 to 42 d. At 21 d of age, enzymatic supplementation had positive effects on jejunum morphology. Enzyme supplementation increased the abundance of the phylum Tenericutes, class Bacilli and Mollicutes, reduced Clostridia, and increased the abundances of the families Lactobacillaceae, Anaeroplasmataceae, and O_RF39;F. In conclusion, the addition of amylase, xylanase, and protease led to a better nutrient digestibility, performance, and intestinal morphology. In addition, enzyme supplementation changed the diversity, composition, and predicted function of the cecal microbiota at d 21.

Influence of Particle Size and Xylanase in Corn-Soybean Pelleted Diets on Performance, Nutrient Utilization, Microbiota and Short-Chain Fatty Acid Production in Young Broilers

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of particle size and xylanase supplementation in corn-based pellet diets on the performance and digestive traits in young broilers. A total of 512 male Ross 308 broilers were used in a 21-day study. The treatments were designed in a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement with four levels of geometric mean diameter (Dgw) of corn (540, 660, 1390, and 1700 µm), and two levels of xylanase (0 or 16,000 BXU/kg diet). Feeding coarse corn diets (1390 and 1700 µm Dgw) and xylanase supplementation showed an inferior coefficient of variation of body weight. Higher gizzard weight, microbiome alpha-diversity, and clustered separately beta-diversity (p < 0.05) were observed in birds fed coarse diets. The addition of xylanase promoted changes in relative bacteria abundance, increasing Lachnospiraceae, Defluviitaleaceae, Bacteroidaceae, Bacillaceae, Eggerthellaceae, and Streptococcaceae families in the 1700 µm group, and Christensenellaceae and Lachnospiraceae families in the 540 µm Dgw group. In conclusion, xylanase supplementation and particle size of corn interact in the intestinal environment, showing changes in microbial composition. Coarse diets and xylanase supplementation showed improved body weight homogeneity, which might be related to a better gut development and microbiota modulation.