Cereal grain starch and exogenous enzymes in poultry diets

Abstract

Cereal grain starch utilization by poultry is affected by the grain species and grain sample within a species. The primary factors affecting starch digestion are the soluble cell-wall polysaccharides, which impede digestion of all nutrients including starch. Other factors which may affect starch utilization include the presence of anti-nutritional factors in grains, the nature of grain starch and the digestive capacity of the animal. Microbial enzymes containing appropriate carbohydrate hydrolysis activity are the most effective in improving starch utilization in cereal grains. Enzyme sources containing amylase and other activities may also be effective under specific circumstances.