Authors : J. Narasimha, D. Nagalakshmi, S.T. Viroji Rao, M. Venkateswerlu and Y. Ramana Reddy
Abstract: A total of 150 Cobb broilers were divided into 5 groups. These groups were fed a complete corn-soybean based standard and sub optimal energy diets supplemented with non-starch polysaccharide enzymes alone or in combination with phytase. No significant difference was observed among the broiler chicks fed SD, BD and BD supplemented with NSP enzymes, phytase alone or in combination on body weight gain. The feed intake by chicks fed BD, BD supplemented with NSP enzyme and/or phytase was higher (p<0.01) in starter phase while lower in (p<0.01) finisher phase compared to SD fed chicks and therefore the overall feed intake from 0-6 weeks was comparable. The FCR improved (p<0.01) with supplementation of both NSP enzymes and phytase during starter phase while no effect was observed during finisher and overall period. The addition of NSP enzymes and phytase to BD significantly (p<0.05) improved retention of OM, CP, NFE, GE and phosphorus with no effect on DM, CF and EE retentions. Supplementation of NSP enzymes and phytase alone and in combination of improved (p<0.01) percent tibia ash content compared to BD. No effect of phytase and NSP enzymes was observed on dressing yield, abdominal fat, weight of visceral organs, intestinal pH and intestinal histology except improvement in (p<0.05) breast yield and reduced (p<0.05) intestinal viscosity and E. coli count. The cost of feeding during various phases of broiler production was significantly (p<0.05) lower in BD and supplementation of NSP enzyme and phytase to BD did not increase the feeding cost and was lower than SD. The feed cost per kg live weight gain was lowest (p<0.05) when the BD was supplemented with phytase and NSP enzymes followed by phytase and NSP enzyme supplementation alone.
J. Narasimha, D. Nagalakshmi, S.T. Viroji Rao, M. Venkateswerlu and Y. Ramana Reddy, 2013. Associative Effect of Non-Starch Polysaccharide Enzymes and Phytase on Performance, Nutrient Utilization and Gut Health of Broilers Fed Sub-Optimal Energy Diets. Research Journal of Poultry Sciences, 6: 23-28.