Effects of supplemental xylanase and xylooligosaccharides on production performance and gut health variables of broiler chickens

Abstract

Background This study evaluated the effects of supplemental xylanase and xylooligosaccharides (XOS) in a corn-soybean meal (SBM)-based diet on growth performance and intestinal health of broilers. A total of 288 day-old chicks (Cobb 500) were allocated to 36 floor pens (8 birds/pen) equally in 9 dietary treatments in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement. The treatments were combinations of 3 levels of xylanase (0, 0.005% and 0.01% Econase XT) and 3 levels of prebiotics (0, 0.005% and 0.01% XOS) added to basal mash diets formulated in three phases (starter, d 0–14; grower, d 15–28; finisher, d 29–42). The feed intake and body weights were recorded weekly. On d 42, ileal sections were collected for histomorphometric and gene expression analysis, and cecal content was collected for determining short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and microbiota. Results Xylanase linearly (P < 0.01) increased the average daily gain (ADG) in both the finisher and total period and the final body weight gain (FBWG, 2940 & 2932 vs. 2760 g) of broilers. XOS did not significantly increase either ADG or FBWG (P > 0.05). Supplemental xylanase and XOS did not affect average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio (P > 0.05). Xylanase and XOS did not change villus height (VH) or crypt depth (CD) ratio (P > 0.05). However, xylanase exhibited a trend (P = 0.097) on VH:CD ratio. The inclusion of 0.01% XOS without xylanase increased the level of IL-10 (a marker of anti-inflammatory cytokine) and IL-4 (a T-cell differentiation cytokine) genes compared with control (P < 0.05). The acetate production was increased by xylanase (P < 0.01) and XOS (P < 0.05) without an additive effect. Xylanase increased total SCFA (P < 0.01) while XOS had a tendency to increase (P = 0.052). Alpha and beta diversity of microbiota among treatments were not different (P > 0.05). However, the mean proportion of family Ruminococcaceae was increased by the supplemental 0.01% xylanase (P < 0.01). Conclusion It can be concluded that XOS can enhance cecal fermentation, while xylanase can increase the body weight gain along with the fermentation metabolites in the ceca of broilers fed the corn-SBM-based diet but the effects may not always translate into an improved mucosal absorptive capacity and a better feed efficiency.

Improving sorghum digestion in broilers by targeting fermentation of xylan

“…It appeared that 50 mg/kg XOS was not sufficient to induce notable positive effects on SCFA production, or bird performance. This is in agreement with Singh et al. (2021) , who observed that total caecal SCFA concentration was increased when feeding 100 mg/kg XOS, but not 50 mg/kg XOS, and saw no improvements in performance with either level.…”

New Intrinsically Thermostable Xylanase Improves Broilers’ Growth Performance, Organ Weights, and Affects Intestinal Viscosity and pH

“…Indeed, recently was shown that xylanase supplementation increased the abundance of Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae, and Lactobacillus salivarius [41]. The latter authors suggested that xylanase supplementation promoted broiler performance by improving feed efficiency and that these effects may be related to the increased abundance of beneficial gut microbiota [41]. A recent study [31] showed that supplementation of the same enzyme as in the current study in corn-based diets, stimulated Lactobacilli growth.…”

“…Lactic acid production could be related with abundance of beneficial gut microbiota such as Lactobacillus spp. Indeed, recently was shown that xylanase supplementation increased the abundance of Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae, and Lactobacillus salivarius [41]. The latter authors suggested that xylanase supplementation promoted broiler performance by improving feed efficiency and that these effects may be related to the increased abundance of beneficial gut microbiota [41].…”

Live Performance and Microbial Load Modulation of Broilers Fed a Direct-Fed Microbials (DFM) and Xylanase Combination

“…Several researchers reported improved broiler body weight gain and FCR due to either probiotic supplementation alone or when combined with xylanase under diverse pathogen challenge models [ 35 , 36 ]. Furthermore, Singh et al [ 37 ] reported that xylanase supplementation promoted beneficial bacteria in the gut of broilers, which led to improved performance. This supports the hypothesis that a synergistic effect exists between xylanase and probiotics when combined.…”