Effect of enzyme supplementation of broiler diets containing varying level of sunflower meal and crude fiber.

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of multi enzyme in broiler diets containing varying levels of sunflower meal and crude fiber. Sixteen isonitrogenous experimental diets were prepared using 0, 5, 10 and 15% SFM and 4, 5, 6 and 7% CF, respectively with and without enzyme supplementation and fed to 480 day old broiler chicks. Data on feed consumption, weight gain, feed conversion ratio and dressing percentage was collected. Results showed significant differences (p 0.05) either by dietary SFM and CF level or enzyme supplementation. However, maximum feed was consumed by birds fed diet containing 5% SFM and 5% CF without enzyme supplementation. While the minimum feed intake was observed on diet formulated with 15% SFM and 7% CF without addition of any enzyme. Dressing percentage was calculated as carcass weight excluding skin including internal organs viz., heart, liver, gizzard and kidneys of the birds. No differences (p>0.05) were observed for dressing percentages on different experimental diets. Results from this experiment suggest that enzyme supplementation can improve nutritive value of high fiber broiler diets. Broiler chicks can grow faster and more efficiently on a diet containing fiber degrading enzymes than on a diet without enzymes.