Growth performance of broiler chickens fed diets supplemented with amylase and protease enzymes individually or combined

Abstract

Background: Feed additives that increase nutrient availability in feeds have gained a lot of interest. Aim: An experiment was conducted to determine whether amylase, protease and their combined supplementation affected broiler performance. Methods: Two hundred eighty (280) broiler chicks were selected and distributed randomly into 28 replicate pens with four treatment groups and seven replicates under Completely Randomized Design (CRD). A total of four diets were developed, having 0, 100g, 100g and 100+100g of control (AP0), amylase (A1), protease (P1) and amylase + protease (AP1)/ton of feed, respectively. Four replicates of each treatment were fed each diet. Each diet was randomly allotted to each group. Ad-libitum feeding was provided to the birds. The feeding program had starter and finisher diets. Upon completion of the experiment, three birds from each pen were slaughtered to analyze the carcass characteristics and organ weight. Results: Differences were insignificant between 100g/ton of amylase supplementation and FI, BWG, or FCR (P>0.05). Supplementation with 100g/ton of protease did not significantly affect FI, BWG, and FCR (P>0.05). Similarly, 100+100g/ton of amylase + protease addition had no significant effect on FI, BWG, and FCR (P>0.05). None of the treatments significantly affected carcass weight, abdominal fat percentage, dressing percentage, drumstick, wings, breast and thigh weights (P>0.05). In addition, there were no significant effects (P>0.05) on the weight of the heart, liver, gizzard, and spleen. Conclusion: In conclusion, amylase, protease, and their combined supplementation at a rate of 100g/ton of feed did not influence BWG, FI, FCR, carcass characteristics, or organ weight.