SUPPLEMENTATION OF NSPASE IN FULL-FAT SOYBEAN-BASED DIETS IN BROILER CHICKEN

Abstract

The present study aimed to assess the impact of incorporating commercially available non-starch polysaccharide enzyme (NSPase) in soybean meal (SBM) and full-fat soybean-based diets on broiler bird development, nutritional digestibility, and gut health. Feed costs account for a significant portion, up to 70%, of overall production expenses in poultry businesses. Broiler diets predominantly consist of cereal grains, which contain varying levels of non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs), a fibrous component. The presence of NSPs in broiler diets hampers overall performance by reducing nutrient absorption due to increased digesta viscosity, thereby decreasing feed efficiency. It is estimated that 400-450 kcal/kg of feed remains unmetabolized in broilers fed a standard corn-soy diet. Exogenous enzymes function by making previously indigestible substances accessible for digestion by endogenous enzymes. NSPase enzyme has the potential to enhance digestion by reducing viscosity and releasing energy through the breakdown of undigested feed components.