Work

Enzyme inclusion or fermentation of canola-based diets generate different responses in growth indicators, carcass quality, nutrient digestibility, bone strength, and blood biochemical parameters in broiler chickens

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary enzyme and fermentation supplementation on the growth performance, carcass traits, nutrient digestibility, and bone and blood characteristics of broiler chickens. A total of 900 male Hubbard broilers were assigned to three treatment groups: a control diet, fermented canola meal (6 %, 12 %, and 18 %), and enzyme-treated canola meal (6 %, 12 %, and 18 %). The results showed that both enzyme treatments resulted in superior weight gain, while 18 % fermentation supplementation had negative effects on weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Carcass traits, including dressing percentage and eviscerated weight, were significantly higher in enzyme-treated and fermented groups. Nutrient digestibility, particularly of crude protein and crude fiber, was improved with fermentation supplementation, with the best results being observed at 6 % and 12 % levels. Bone characteristics such as bone weight enhancement, robusticity index, and tibio-tarsal index were decreased ( P <0.01) in fermented-diet-fed birds. Blood biochemical analysis revealed reduced triglyceride levels in broilers fed with a fermented diet, while other parameters, including cholesterol and glucose, remained unaffected. These findings suggest that optimal levels of fermentation and enzyme supplementation can enhance broiler productivity and health.

Source: Archives animal breeding/Archiv für Tierzucht

DOI: 10.5194/aab-68-485-2025