Multi-carbohydrase and phytase supplementation improves growth performance and liver insulin receptor sensitivity in broiler chickens fed diets containing full-fat rapeseed

Supplementation of a Multi-Carbohydrase and Phytase Complex in Diets Regardless of Nutritional Levels, Improved Nutrients Digestibility, Growth Performance, and Bone Mineralization of Growing-Finishing Pigs

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary multi-enzyme (multi-carbohydrase and phytase complex, MCPC) supplementation on digestibility, growth performance, bone mineralization, and carcass yield and traits in growing-finishing pigs fed diets with adequate or deficient net energy (NE), amino acids (AA), calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) levels. A total of 576 crossbred [Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire)] barrows (~25 kg) were fed one of the six diets till live weight approached 130 kg. Basal diets included a positive control (PC), negative control 1 (NC1) and 2 (NC2), while another three diets were prepared by adding MCPC to the three basal diets. The final body weight was lower (p < 0.05) in NC2 than in NC1 and PC treatments, while overall feed intake and feed-gain ratio were higher (p < 0.05) in NC1 and NC2 than in PC treatment. The NC2 treatment showed lower (p < 0.05) carcass weight but higher (p < 0.05) lean meat percentage than the PC treatment. The apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of gross energy (GE), crude protein (CP) and AA was decreased (p < 0.05) or tended (p < 0.10) to decrease in NC1 and/or NC2 diets compared with a PC diet. MCPC supplementation improved (p < 0.05) AID of Ca, P and AA (Lys, Leu, Val, Phe, Gly, Tyr and Pro), apparent total-tract digestibility (ATTD) of GE, CP, bone strength, Ca, and P retention. In conclusion, MCPC supplementation improved nutrient digestibility, bone mineralization, and growth performance of fattening pigs, regardless of the nutritional level of the basal diet.

The effect of fermented rapeseed meal on production performance, egg quality, and hatchability in broiler breeders after peak production

1. This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of replacing soybean meal (SBM) with different levels of rapeseed meal (RSM) or fermented rapeseed meal (FRSM) on performance, egg quality and hatchability in broiler breeders.2. RSM was fermented with Bacillus subtilis and Aspergillus niger for 25 d. A total of 140 Ross 308 broiler breeder hens (52 weeks old; 20 per treatment, four hens per cage replicate) were assigned to seven dietary treatments in a completely randomised design involving a control (maize-SBM diet) and a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement, consisting of two types of meal (RSM and FRSM) and three replacement levels (33%, 66% or 100%) for SBM, with one cockerel housed within each cage replicate for 12 weeks.3. Fermentation increased the population of lactic acid bacteria and crude protein and decreased pH, dry matter, crude fibre and anti-nutrients in FRSM meal compared to RSM (P < 0.05).4. Body weight gain and egg weight were not affected by RSM or FRSM. Feeding FRSM compared to RSM increased egg production and egg mass (P < 0.05). FRSM or RSM at the level of 100% significantly decreased egg production and egg mass compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Neither types of meal nor levels of replacing significantly affected egg quality variables except eggshell strength. Yolk colour in all experimental treatments was significantly higher than the control group (P < 0.05). By increasing the level of RSM or FRSM in the diet, hatching rate and chicken weight decreased (P < 0.05).5. Microbial fermentation improved the nutritional value of RSM which could be used to replace SBM with RSM or FRSM at levels lesser than 66% as a suitable protein alternative for broiler breeders.

Rapeseed meal as a feed component in monogastric animal nutrition – a review

Rapeseed is an important oil crop worldwide, with an annual production of more than 70 million tons. Rapeseed meal (RSM) is a by-product of rapeseed oil production and is second after soybean meal (SBM) in the world production of protein meal. Rapeseed meal derived from black-seeded winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) usually contains between 35 and 40% of crude protein (CP), which is considered to be one of the more valuable plant proteins. It has a good balance of essential amino acids and a very high protein efficiency ratio (PER=3.29). However, full utilisation of this protein is difficult due to presence of the non-protein components of the seed which are associated with it. These are called antinutritional factors and they limit the utilisation of RSM in monogastric animal nutrition. The main antinutritional factors in RSM are dietary fibre, glucosinolates, phytic acid, and phenolic compounds (sinapine, tannins). For many years, research has been conducted in many centers around the world to improve the nutritional value of RSM, which will consequently increase its use in feeding monogastric animals. The attempts that have been undertaken include breeding strategy, optimisation, modernisation and better control of the oil extraction process, as well as technological treatments of seeds and meal. This review provides information on how RSM has evolved in recent years, as well as on its nutritive value, particularly protein, fibre and glucosinolate content. Techniques which have been used to improve the nutritional value of rapeseed products are also discussed. However, the used methods do not allow for full replacement soybean meal by RSM in monogastric animal nutrition.

Exogenous emulsifiers and multi-enzyme combination improves growth performance of the young broiler chickens fed low energy diets containing vegetable oil

Objective

The present study examined the effects of exogenous emulsifiers and multi-enzyme supplementation into a low energy density diet on growth performance, visceral organ parameters, blood metabolites, ileal morphology, and nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens from hatch to 21 days.

Methods

One hundred and sixty-eight one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chickens were allocated in a completely randomized design to 24 pens and each pen was assigned to one of four dietary treatments to give six replications with seven chickens in a cage. Dietary treatments were: i) positive control with standard energy level (PC); ii) negative control with 100 kcal/kg lower energy of the standard level (NC); iii) NC diet supplemented 0.05% calcium stearoyl-2 lactylate as an emulsifier (NC+E); and iv) NC diet supplemented with both 0.05% calcium stearoyl-2 lactylate and 0.05% multi-enzyme (NC+E+M). Corn and soybean meal-based control diets containing vegetable oil were formulated to meet the Ross 308 nutrition specification. Chickens were fed ad-libitum with the treatment diets and sampling was conducted on day 21.

Results

Our results revealed that emulsifier and multi-enzyme supplementation into NC diets improved (p<0.05) feed efficiency of the broiler chickens compared to the broiler chickens fed NC diets from hatch to 21 days. Supplementation of emulsifier and multi-enzyme into NC diet improved (p<0.05) nutrient digestibility of the broiler chickens. However, emulsifier and multi-enzymesupplementation into diet did not influence (p>0.05) visceral organ weight, blood metabolites, and intestinal morphology in broiler chickens fed NC diets.

Conclusion

Supplementation of emulsifier and multi-enzyme in the NC diet would support improving growth performance in young broiler chickens with improved feed efficiency and increased nutrient digestibility thereby curtailing the negative impact of energy reduction in the diets.

Modulation of Hepatic Insulin and Glucagon Signaling by Nutritional Factors in Broiler Chicken

Influencing the endocrine metabolic regulation of chickens by nutritional factors might provide novel possibilities for improving animal health and productivity. This study was designed to evaluate the impact of dietary cereal type (wheat-based (WB) vs. maize-based (MB) diets), crude protein level (normal (NP) vs. lowered (LP)), and sodium (n-)butyrate (1.5 g/kg diet) supplementation (vs. no butyrate) on the responsiveness of hepatic glucagon receptor (GCGR), insulin receptor beta (IRβ) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in the phase of intensive growth of chickens. Liver samples of Ross 308 broiler chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) were collected on day 21 for quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analyses. Hepatic GCGR and mTOR gene expressions were up-regulated by WB and LP diet. GCGR and IRβ protein level decreased in groups with butyrate supplementation; however, the quantity of IRβ and mTOR protein increased in WB groups. Based on these data, the applied dietary strategies may be useful tools to modulate hepatic insulin and glucagon signaling of chickens in the period of intensive growth. The obtained results might contribute to the better understanding of glycemic control of birds and increase the opportunity of ameliorating insulin sensitivity, hence, improving the production parameters and the welfare of broilers.

Multi-carbohydrase application into energy and amino acid deficient broiler diets: A strategy to enhance performance of broiler chickens

The effect of Multi-Carbohydrase (MC) supplementation on growth performance, visceral organ weights, blood metabolites, jejunum morphology, nutrient digestibility, and carcass parameters of broiler chickens fed nutrient-deficient corn soybean-meal based diets containing high levels of non-starch polysaccharides from wheat and wheat by-products was investigated. A total of 378 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chickens were randomly assigned to one of seven dietary treatments to give six replicates per treatment (nine birds per pen). Dietary treatments were as follows: (1) positive control (PC; commercial standard diet); (2) negative control 1 (NC-1; PC-120 kcal/kg metabolizable energy); (3) NC-2 (PC-3% standardized ileal digestibility [SID] amino acids). The remaining four dietary treatments were formulated with the addition of MC (MC; Superzyme-CS™) into two negative controls along with two supplementation levels of MC (i.e., 0.025% and 0.05%, respectively). Improved body weight, average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05) were observed in broiler chickens fed a reduced energy diet supplemented with MC compared to birds fed NC-1 diet from days 1-35. Additionally, birds fed a reduced energy diet with 0.05% MC showed comparable (p > 0.05) growth performance with birds fed PC for 35-day post-hatch. Furthermore, the addition of MC into reduced amino acid diets improved (p < 0.05) growth performance. Broiler chickens fed MC supplemented nutrient-deficient diets showed a greater (p < 0.05) villus height to crypt depth ratio than birds fed diets without MC on days 21 and 35. Similarly, improved (p < 0.05) nutrient digestibility was observed in birds fed reduced energy diets supplemented with MC compared to birds fed NC-1 on days 21 and 35. Our results suggest that MC supplementation into reduced energy or reduced amino acid diets containing wheat and wheat by-products has the potential to improve growth performance and nutrient digestibility while maintaining healthier gut morphology in broiler chickens from 1 to 35 days of age.

Effect of phytase on nutrient digestibility and expression of intestinal tight junction and nutrient transporter genes in pigs

The study was conducted to determine the effects of high levels of phytase on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, phytate breakdown, and expression of mucosal tight junction and nutrient transporter genes in weanling pigs. A total of 128 barrows were penned in groups of four and used in a randomized completely block design and assigned to four treatments for a 28-d study. A two-phase feeding was implemented (phase 1: day 1 to 14; phase 2: day 15 to 28). The diets differed in dietary calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) levels (positive control [PC]: 8.1 to 7.1 g/kg Ca and 6.5 to 6.8 g/kg P; negative control [NC]: 6.6 to 5.5 g/kg Ca and 5.6 to 5.3 g/kg P) from phase 1 to phase 2, respectively. NC diets were supplemented with phytase at 0 (NC), 1,500 (NC + 1,500), or 3,000 (NC + 3,000) phytase units (FTU)/kg. Blood was collected after fasting (day 27) or feeding (day 28) for the measurement of plasma inositol concentrations. On day 28, two pigs per pen were euthanized. Duodenal-jejunal and ileal digesta samples and feces were collected to determine inositol phosphates (InsP3-6) concentrations. Phytase supplementation increased the body weight on days 14 and 28 (P < 0.05). Average daily gain and feed efficiency compared with NC were increased by phytase with the majority of its effect in phase 1 (P < 0.05). The apparent ileal digestibility and apparent total tract digestibility of P were increased in piglets fed phytase-supplemented diets (P < 0.01) compared with NC piglets. Disappearance of InsP6 and total InsP3-6 up to the duodenum-jejunum, ileum, and in feces was increased by both phytase application rates (P < 0.01). Plasma concentrations of myo-inositol were higher (P < 0.001) in the phytase-supplemented diets than PC and NC diets, irrespective of whether pigs were fed or fasted. Expression of claudin 3 was higher in pigs fed both phytase-supplemented diets in the duodenum and jejunum compared with PC and NC. Mucin 2 expression was lower in the ileum of NC + 3,000 fed piglets compared with PC (P < 0.05), whereas expression of GLUT2 (solute carrier family 2-facilitated glucose transporter member 2) was increased (P < 0.05) by the NC + 3,000 treatment in all sections. In summary, high phytase supplementation increased the growth performance of nursery pigs. The increased expression of GLUT2 by phytase may indicate an upregulation of glucose absorption from the intestine by phytase.

Phytase dosing affects phytate degradation and Muc2 transporter gene expression in broiler starters

This study was conducted to determine effects of high phytase use on growth performance, amino acid (AA) digestibility, intestinal phytate breakdown, and nutrient transporter expression in starter broiler chickens. Male Ross 308 chicks were allocated to 24 pens, at 15 birds/pen and assigned to one of 4 dietary treatments. Treatments were: a control diet (PCa+) that contained adequate levels of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) for growing broiler chicks; a reduced Ca and P diet (PCa-:-1.5 g P/kg and -1.6 g Ca/kg), and 2 additional diets in which phytase was supplemented in the PCa- diet at 1,500 (PCa-Phy1500) and 3,000 (PCa-Phy3000) FTU/kg feed. A common starter diet was fed from day 1 to 8. From day 8 to 22, birds were fed the 4 experimental diets. On day 22, birds were killed for sample collection. From day 8 to 15, average daily gain and average daily feed intake were not different across treatments (P < 0.05) but gain-to-feed ratio (G:F) was reduced (P < 0.006) in the PCa- treatment compared with other treatments. There were no further performance differences, but a tendency of phytase treatments improving the overall G:F (P = 0.079; day 8-22). Up to both the duodenum-jejunum and ileum, phytate, P, and Ca disappearance were increased (P < 0.05) in the PCa-Phy1500 and PCa-Phy3000 treatments compared with PCa- treatment. Phytase dose dependently increased myoinositol (MI) concentration in the digesta from both the duodenum-jejunum and ileum (P < 0.001). The highest concentration of MI was found in the PCa-Phy3000 treatment. Plasma MI concentration was increased by phytase supplementation (P < 0.001). Prececal disappearance of Cys was lower (P < 0.05) in the PCa- treatment than in PCa1and PCa-Phy3000 treatment. Expression of MUC2 in the duodenum-jejunum was higher (P < 0.05) in the PCa-Phy3000 treatment than in other treatments. Phytase-induced hydrolysis of phytate led to elevated digesta and plasma MI concentrations and reduced digesta concentrations of phytate breakdown intermediates.

Nutritive value of enzyme-supplemented carinata meal for growing pigs

Carinata meal is increasingly available for livestock feeding. However, the effects of supplemental phytase and fiber degrading enzymes on nutritive value of carinata meal for pigs have not been reported. Objective of the study was to evaluate the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acid (AA), and digestible energy (DE) and net energy (NE) values of phytase- and fiber-degrading enzymes-supplemented carinata meal for growing pigs. Ten ileal-cannulated pigs (initial body weight = 53.9 ± 4.76 kg) were fed 4 diets in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with two additional columns to give 10 replicates per diet. Diets included a corn-soybean meal (SBM)-based basal diet, basal diet with 25% carinata meal, basal diet with 25% carinata meal plus phytase at 2,000 FTU/kg and multi-carbohydrase at 0.2 g/kg, and in addition a nitrogen-free diet. The multicarbohydrase supplied 4 units of xylanase, 10 units of β-glucanase, and 1,000 units of pectinase per kilogram of diet. The ratio of corn to SBM and soybean oil in carinata meal-containing diets was identical to that in the corn-SBM-based basal diet to allow calculation of AA and energy digestibility of carinata meal by the difference method. On a dry matter basis, carinata meal contained 50.2% crude protein, 0.88% ether extract, 15.37% acid detergent fiber, 1.82% Lys, 0.96% Met, 1.89% Thr, and 0.64% Trp, respectively. The SID of Lys, Met, Thr, and Trp for carinata meal were 51.4%, 82.2%, 65.9%, and 85.9%, respectively. The DE and NE values for carinata meal were 3,427 and 1,828 kcal/kg of dry matter, respectively. Supplementation of a combination of phytase and multicarbohydrase did not affect the apparent ileal digestibility of AA and SID of AA for the corn-SBM-carinata meal-based diet, and for the carinata meal. However, the combination of phytase and multicarbohydrase did improve (P < 0.05) apparent total tract digestibility, and DE and NE values for carinata meal by 9.4%, 9.5%, and 12.4%, respectively. In conclusion, the enzymes used in the current study could be added in carinata meal-based diets for growing pigs to improve the energy value.

The effect of β-mannanase on nutrient utilization and blood parameters in chicks fed diets containing soybean meal and guar gum

The present study was conducted to determine whether the addition of β-mannanase in broiler feed changes hormonal profiles in the blood and broiler performance and nutrient availability. Five hundred and four Cobb male chickens were studied during d 7 to 21. Three corn-soybean meal (SBM) based diets 1) Low SBM (18% SBM); 2) High SBM (31% SBM); and 3) High SBM+GG (31% SBM + Guar Gum (GG) 0.5%) with 3 levels of β-mannanase (0, 200, and 400 ppm) were mixed to produce 9 diets. A factorial design 3 × 3 was performed with JMP pro 13 (SAS, 2017). Analysis of variance and contrast analysis were used to test significance level at P < 0.05. Glucose (190 and 188 mg/dL) was increased with 200 and 400 ppm of β-mannanase, respectively, compared to control (182 mg/dL) in the fasted state (P < 0.037). Glucose was higher in chicks fed with the High SBM and High SBM + GG diets but lower in the fasted re-fed state (P < 0.01). Insulin was higher with 200 and 400 ppm added β-mannanase in the fed state (P < 0.021). Insulin-like growth factor-1 was higher with 400 ppm added to High SBM+GG. β-mannanase improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) 9 points with 400 ppm in High SBM diet (P < 0.01) and 16 and 18 points with 200 and 400 ppm, respectively, added to the High SBM+GG diet (P < 0.01). Viscosity decreased from 19.2 to 7 cps with both enzyme doses in the High SBM + GG diet (P < 0.01). Digestible energy was +152 kcal/kg with 400 ppm β-mannanase in the High SBM diet and +200 kcal/kg with both levels of enzyme in High SBM+GG diet. Digestibility of amino acids was improved from 0.8 to 3.6% with β-mannanase in High SBM+GG diet (P < 0.05). In conclusion, chicks fed with High SBM and High SBM+GG diets with added β-mannanase significantly improved blood glucose and anabolic hormone homeostasis, FCR, digestible energy, and digestible amino acids compared to chicks fed with same diets without β-mannanase.

Effects of multi-carbohydrase and phytase on standardized ileal digestibility of amino acids and apparent metabolizable energy in canola meal fed to broiler chicks

Two assays were conducted to evaluate nutritive value of canola meal (CM) fed to broiler chicks without or with a multi-carbohydrase (MC) preparation (700 U α-galactosidase, 2,200 U galactomannanase, 30,000 U xylanase, and 22,000 U β-glucanase per kg of diet) and phytase (Phy, 500 FTU per kg of diet). Assay 1 determined apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients and metabolizable energy (AME) by the difference method. Assay 2 determined apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids by the index method. Two reference diets (RD) - an 85% corn based and a 5% casein-cornstarch diet fortified with vitamins and minerals - were made for assays 1 and 2, respectively. For each assay, the test diets were made by mixing RD and CM 7:3 wt/wt basis and fed without or with MC or Phy or combination. A total of 245 day-old male broilers (Cobb 500) was allocated to 5 treatments to give 7 replicates (7 birds/cage). The birds were fed a commercial diet from day zero to 10 followed by assay 1 fed from d 11 to 18 and assay 2 fed from d 19 to 21. Excreta samples were collected on d 15 to18, and all birds were slaughtered on d 21 for ileal digesta. There was an interaction (P < 0.05) between MC and Phy on ATTD of DM, N, and P. There was no interaction (P > 0.05) between MC and Phy on AMEn; however, MC and Phy individually improved AMEn retention. Enzymes interacted (P < 0.05) on SID of Arg, His, Leu, Met, Thr, Ala, Asp, Gln, and Gly. In this context, feeding a combination of MC and Phy resulted in higher (P < 0.05) SID of Arg, His, Met, and Thr relative to single activity or control. Both enzymes improved (P < 0.05) SID of Lys independently. The combination of carbohydrase and Phy may be an effective strategy to improve amino acid utilization in CM for poultry.

Supplementation of amylase combined with glucoamylase or protease changes intestinal microbiota diversity and benefits for broilers fed a diet of newly harvested corn

Background

The effect of amylases combined with exogenous carbohydrase and protease in a newly harvested corn diet on starch digestibility, intestine health and cecal microbiota was investigated in broiler chickens.

Methods

Two hunderd and eighty-eight 5-day-old female chickens were randomly divided into six treatments: a newly harvested corn-soybean meal diet (control); control supplemented with 1,500 U/g α-amylase (Enzyme A); Enzyme A + 300 U/g amylopectase + 20,000 U/g glucoamylase (Enzyme B); Enzyme B + protease 10,000 U/g (Enzyme C); Enzyme C + xylanase 15,000 U/g (Enzyme D); and Enzyme D + cellulase 200 U/g + pectinase 1,000 U/g (Enzyme E). Growth performance, starch digestibility, digestive organ morphology, and intestinal microbiota were evaluated in the birds at 16 and 23 d of age.

Results

Compared with the control diet, supplementation with Enzyme A significantly decreased ileum lesion scoring at 16 d of age (P < 0.05); supplementation with Enzyme B or Enzyme C showed positive effects on ileal amylopectin and total starch digestibility (P < 0.05); Broilers fed with a diet supplemented with Enzyme D had a tendency to decrease body weight gain at 23 d. Enzyme E supplementation improved lesion scoring of jejunum and ileum at 16 d (P < 0.05), and increased ileal amylopectin or total starch digestibility at 23 d (P < 0.05). Supplementation of enzymes changed cecal microbiota diversity. High numbers of Campylobacter, Helicobacter and Butyricicoccus, Anaerostipes and Bifidobacterium, Sutterella and Odoribacter were the main genera detected in supplementations with Enzymes B, C, D, and E respectively.

Conclusions

Supplementation with amylase combined with glucoamylase or protease showed a beneficial effect on starch digestibility and intestinal microbiota diversity, and increased growth of broilers fed with newly harvested corn.

Starch digestibility, energy utilization, and growth performance of broilers fed corn-soybean basal diets supplemented with enzymes

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary α-amylase and β-xylanase supplementation of corn-soy diets, formulated with or without supplemental phytase, on growth performance, energy utilization, and starch digestibility in broiler chickens. A total of 336 slow-feathering, Cobb × Cobb 500 male broilers were randomly distributed to 6 treatments having 8 replicates of 7 birds each. Birds were fed a common starter diet to d 14 post-hatch (3,050 kcal/kg AMEn, 21.7% CP, 1.05% Ca, and 0.53% nPP). The experimental diets were provided afterwards until d 25. A 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of 2 control diets (basal = corn-soy diet without added phytase or PHY = corn-soy diet formulated with 1,000 phytase units/kg) and 3 carbohydrase supplementations (0, 80 kilo-Novo α-amylase units/kg, or 80 kilo-Novo α-amylase units/kg + 100 fungal β-xylanase units/kg) was used from d 14 to 25. Excreta were collected from 21 to 24 d and all birds were euthanized at 25 d for jejunum and ileum content collection. Samples of feed, excreta, and jejunal and ileal digesta were analyzed for determination of total tract retention and ileal apparent digestibility. No interactions between diet and carbohydrase were observed. Broilers fed diets formulated with phytase or supplemented with amylase + xylanase had higher BW gain (BWG) and lower FCR (P < 0.05) when compared with birds fed diets without carbohydrases. Relative to the basal diet, AMEn was increased (P < 0.01) by 70 kcal/kg and 99 kcal/kg when birds were fed the diet supplemented with amylase and amylase + xylanase, respectively. Starch digestibility in the jejunum and ileum was increased (P < 0.05) by 3.5% and 2.4%, respectively, when birds were fed the diet supplemented with amylase + xylanase. Results from this experiment show that corn-soy diets having phytase and supplemented with amylase and xylanase led to increased growth performance, AMEn, and starch digestibility in broilers. Furthermore, the efficacy of exogenous amylase and xylanase was independent of the presence of microbial phytase.

Phytase modulates ileal microbiota and enhances growth performance of the broiler chickens

Phytase is well studied and explored, however, little is known about its effects on the microbial ecology of the gastrointestinal tract. In total, 400 one-day-old female Ross 308 chicks were randomly distributed to four experimental groups. The dietary treatments were arranged as a 2 × 2 complete factorial design, with the factors being adequate (PC) or insufficient calcium (Ca) and digestible phosphor (dP)(NC) and with or without 5000 phytase units (FTU)/kg of Escherichia coli 6-phytase. The gastrointestinal tract pH values, ileal microbial communities and short-chain fatty acid concentrations in the digesta were determined. The reduction in Ca and dP concentration significantly affected pH in the crop and caeca, and addition of phytase to the NC resulted in a pH increase in the ileum. The reduction in Ca and dP concentration significantly lowered, while phytase supplementation increased ileal total bacterial counts. Additionally, the deficient diet reduced butyrate- but increased lactate-producing bacteria. The addition of phytase increased Lactobacillus sp./Enterococcus sp. whereas in case of Clostridium leptum subgroup, Clostridium coccoides - Eubacterium rectale cluster, Bifidobacterium sp. and Streptococcus/Lactococcus counts, a significant Ca and dP level x phytase interaction was found. However, the recorded interactions indicated that the effects of phytase and Ca and dP levels were not consistent. Furthermore, the reduction of Ca and dP level lowered Clostridium perfringens and Enterobacteriaceae counts. The analysis of fermentation products showed that reducing the Ca and dP content in the diet reduced total SCFA, DL-lactate, and acetic acid in the ileum whereas phytase increased concentrations of these acids in the NC group. This suggests that P is a factor which limits fermentation in the ileum. It may be concluded that phytase plays a role in modulating the gut microbiota of chicken, however, this is clearly linked with the levels of P and Ca in a diet.

Multicarbohydrase Enzymes for Non-ruminants

The first purpose of this review is to outline some of the background information necessary to understand the mechanisms of action of fibre-degrading enzymes in non-ruminants. Secondly, the well-known and understood mechanisms are described, i) eliminating the nutrient encapsulating effect of the cell wall and ii) ameliorating viscosity problems associated with certain Non Starch Polysaccharides, particularly arabinoxylans and β-glucans. A third, indirect mechanism is then discussed: the activity of such enzymes in producing prebiotic oligosaccharides and promoting beneficial cecal fermentation. The literature contains a wealth of information on various non starch polysaccharide degrading enzyme (NSPase) preparations and this review aims to conclude by discussing this body of work, with reference to the above mechanisms. It is suggested that the way in which multi- versus single-component products are compared is often flawed and that some continuity should be employed in methods and terminology.

Impact of exogenous carbohydrases and phytase on growth performance and nutrient digestibility in broilers

Lu, H., Adedokun, S. A., Preynat, A., Legrand-Defretin, V., Geraert, P. A., Adeola, O. and Ajuwon, K. M. 2013. Impact of exogenous carbohydrases and phytase on growth performance and nutrient digestibility in broilers. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 93: 243–249. The effect of supplementing corn–soybean-based diets with Rovabio®Max AP, an exogenous enzyme mix with carbohydrase (xylanase and β-glucanase) and phytase activities to broiler chickens was evaluated. Male Ross 708 broilers were assigned to four diets: positive control (PC), negative control (NC), deficient in metabolizable energy (ME), crude protein (CP), calcium (Ca) and non-phytate phosphorus (nPP), relative to the PC, by 100 kcal kg−1, 5 g kg−1, 1.1 g kg−1and 1.6 g kg−1, respectively, in the starter and grower diets; and NC+Rovabio®at 0.05 or 0.075 g kg−1diet. Starter diets were fed from day 0 to day 21 and grower diets from day 22 to day 42. Body weight (BW) and body weight gain on days 22 and 42 were increased (P<0.05) by enzyme supplementation. Enzyme addition increased (P<0.05) feed intake from day 22 to day 42 and overall (day 0 to day 42). Gain to feed ratio (G:F) was significantly increased (P<0.05) with enzyme supplementation during both starter and grower phases. Enzyme addition increased (P<0.05) serum phosphorus (P) concentration on day 21. On day 42 enzyme supplementation increased (P<0.05) the apparent ileal digestibility of P, dry matter (DM), energy, and N. Addition of a combination of carbohydrases (xylanase and β-glucanase) and phytase to corn–soybean-based diets deficient in ME, CP, Ca and P resulted in a significant increase in growth performance and utilization of P, DM, energy and N in broiler chickens.

Effect of inositol and phytases on hematological indices and α-1 acid glycoprotein levels in laying hens fed phosphorus-deficient corn-soybean meal-based diets

The effects of feeding low nonphytate phosphorus (NPP) corn-soybean meal-based diets supplemented with myo-inositol at 0.1%, or with phytase B at 1,300 acid phosphatase units/kg, or with phytase B enriched in 6-phytase A at 300 phytase units/kg on the hematological indices and the α-1 acid glycoprotein (AGP) concentrations in the blood of Bovans Brown laying hens were investigated. The experimental design comprised also a negative control diet and an internal control diet that had the NPP content adjusted by the addition of 0.304 g of monocalcium phosphate per kg to reach the NPP level similar to that resulting from the combined action of both phytases. A total of sixty 50-wk-old hens were randomly assigned to the dietary treatments with 12 cage replicates of 1 hen, and fed the experimental diets until wk 62, when the blood samples were taken and analyzed for basic hematological indices and for AGP concentrations in sera. The hematological indices from all the experimental groups remained in a normal range; nevertheless, the statistically significant effects of diet on hemoglobin concentration (P = 0.003), erythrocyte counts (P = 0.035), the percentage of lymphocytes (P = 0.020), heterophils (P = 0.002), eosinophils (P = 0.023), and basophils (P = 0.001) in the leucocyte population, as well as on the heterophil to lymphocyte ratio (P = 0.003), were observed. The highest erythrocyte counts were characteristic for hens fed the diet supplemented with both phytase A and phytase B. The highest heterophil to lymphocyte ratios were found in blood of hens fed the diet supplemented with phytase B, whereas the highest basophil percentages and the highest AGP concentrations occurred in birds fed the negative control diet. A highly significant correlation was observed between AGP concentrations in sera and BW losses determined previously. The results indicate that the low-NPP corn soybean meal-based diets increased acute phase protein level in laying hens. Phytase B alone, and particularly in combination with phytase A, acted as a potent mediator of the response, whereas supplementary myo-inositol did not.

Phytase, a New Life for an “Old” Enzyme

Phytases are phosphohydrolytic enzymes that initiate stepwise removal of phosphate from phytate. Simple-stomached species such as swine, poultry, and fish require extrinsic phytase to digest phytate, the major form of phosphorus in plant-based feeds. Consequently, this enzyme is supplemented in these species’ diets to decrease their phosphorus excretion, and it has emerged as one of the most effective and lucrative feed additives. This chapter provides a comprehensive review of the evolving course of phytase science and technology. It gives realistic estimates of the versatile roles of phytase in animal feeding, environmental protection, rock phosphorus preservation, human nutrition and health, and industrial applications. It elaborates on new biotechnology and existing issues related to developing novel microbial phytases as well as phytase-transgenic plants and animals. And it targets critical and integrated analyses on the global impact, novel application, and future demand of phytase in promoting animal agriculture, human health, and societal sustainability.

Factors that affect the nutritive value of canola meal for poultry

This article reviews the factors affecting the nutritive value of canola meal (CM), including glucosinolates, sinapine, phytic acid, tannins, dietary fiber, and electrolyte balance. It also addresses the means of improving the nutritive value of CM throughout seed dehulling, development of low-fiber canola, or application of feed enzymes. Over the years, the glucosinolate content of canola has been declining steadily and is now only about one-twelfth of that of the older high-glucosinolate rapeseed (that is, 10 vs. 120 μmol/g). Therefore, the rations for broilers or laying hens could now contain 20% of CM without producing any adverse effects. Tannins are of lesser importance due to their presence in the hull fraction and thus low water solubility. Sinapine has been implicated with the production of a "fishy" taint in brown-shelled eggs, which results from a genetic defect among the strain of Rhode Island Red laying hens. The White Leghorns have been reported not to be affected. Although lower in protein, CM compares favorably with soybean meal with regard to amino acid content. Because CM contains more methionine and cysteine but less lysine, both meals tend to complement each other when used together in poultry diets. Canola meal is low in arginine (Arg) which could be of importance when introducing CM to broiler diets at high inclusion rates. The Arg content of CM is approximately two-thirds of that of soybean meal. Chickens fail to synthesize Arg and are highly dependent on dietary sources for this amino acid. Supplementation of Arg to CM-based diets has been shown to partly restore the growth performance. Dietary cation-anion difference in CM is also less than optimal due to the high sulfur and low potassium contents. Seed dehulling has not been very successful due to excessive fineness and thus difficulties with percolation of the miscella through the cake. Development of low-fiber, yellow-seeded canola and the use of enzymes have proven to increase the energy utilization and the nutritive value of CM for poultry.

Effects of inositol, inositol-generating phytase B applied alone, and in combination with 6-phytase A to phosphorus-deficient diets on laying performance, eggshell quality, yolk cholesterol, and fatty acid deposition in laying hens

Phytase B, a product of Aspergillus niger phyB gene expressed in Trichoderma reesei, which increased myo-inositol concentrations in 20 mM sodium phytate solution 7.5-fold during 120-min incubation, a combination of phytase B with 6-phytase A, and pure myo-inositol were tested as feed supplements in Bovans Brown laying hens. In the 2-factorial experiment (2×5), birds from wk 50 to 62 were fed 2 basal diets, corn-soybean (CSM) or wheat-soybean (WSM), using 12 one-hen cages per treatment. For both basal diets, the dietary treatments included negative control (0.08% nonphytate P in CSM, 0.13% nonphytate P in WSM; NC); internal control groups, NC+0.04% nonphytate P from monocalcium phosphate, MCP (IC); NC+0.1% of myo-inositol (Inos), NC+phytase B at 1,300 units of phytase B-acid phosphatase activity (AcPU)/kg (PhyB), NC+phytase B at 1,300 AcPU/kg+6-phytase A at 300 FTU/kg (PhyA+B). Feed intake, laying performance, and eggshell quality were determined. The total lipid and cholesterol contents as well as fatty acid profile were assessed in egg yolks collected from hens fed CSM diets, as was fatty acid profile. The hens fed the WSM diet consumed significantly more feed, laid a higher mass of eggs daily with higher mean weights, and had a higher hen-day egg production than the birds receiving the CSM diets. Similarly, higher values for yolk weights, shell weights, shell thickness, shell density, and breaking strengths were determined in the eggs laid by the hens fed the WSM diets. In hens fed either the CSM diets with phytase B alone, or in combination with 6-phytase A, enhanced feed intakes, egg mass, and hen-day egg production were recorded. Phytases also enhanced the eggshell quality parameters in the hens fed both variants of the diets. Phytase B alone, or in combination with 6-phytase A, reduced the total lipid and cholesterol concentrations in egg yolks collected from the hens fed the CSM diets, whereas the combination of both phytases improved the n-6:n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids ratio. In the CSM diets, the supplemental myo-inositol suppressed feed intakes, reduced egg production, had no effect on eggshell quality and reduced the deposition of eicosanoid fatty acids in yolks. When comparing the effects of feeding MCP, myo-inositol, and phytases on the nutritional quality of the eggs laid by the hens fed phosphorus-deficient CSM diets, it seems that the enhancements in nutritional quality cannot be attributed solely to higher phosphorus level or higher concentrations of myo-inositol.