Effectiveness of phytase and nonstarch polysaccharides-degrading enzymes on performance, bone mineralization, litter, and gene expression in broiler chickens fed nutritionally reduced diets

Effects of dietary non-starch polysaccharides-degrading enzymes (NSPase) and phytase complex on performance, carcass, bone minerals, litter, and gene expression (IGF, IL-1β, IL-10, TLR-4, CPT1A) were determined in broilers fed corn-soybean nutrient-reduced diets. Totally, 1200 Ross-308 one-day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned into 4 treatments, with 6 replicates of 50 birds each; (G1) a control nutrient-adequate diet without enzymes supplementation; (G2) received energy-reduced diet (-100 kcal/kg) with NSPase (100 g/ton Econase®) + phytase (100 g/ton Quantum Blue®; 5,000 FTU/g); (G3) received energy-reduced diet (-80 kcal/kg) with NSPase (250 g/ton Enziver®) + phytase (100 g/ton Phytonex®; 5,000 FTU/g); (G4) received as G3 diet with a 0.5% decrease in crude protein (CP). For all energy-reduced diets, the nutritional matrix of phytase with reductions of phosphorus (P) (0.15%), and calcium (Ca) (0.165%) was considered. Dietary NSPase and phytase supplementation to a low-energy diet significantly (P<0.05) enhanced body weights, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and litter quality (lowered nitrogen, phosphorous, and calcium excretion in broiler manure), with constant bone mineralization. No significant effects (P>0.05) on carcass or blood biochemistry. Energy and CP-reduced diet showed better feed intake, immune organ weights, and mineral bioavailability by decreasing Alkaline phosphatase activity. Moreover, upregulated gene expression of IGF-1 in muscles, inflammatory cytokines (IL-1B and IL-10), immune-related genes (TLR-4) in the liver, and (CPT1A) responsible for energy production. Conclusively, dietary NSPase with phytase compensated for up to 0.5% CP, 100 kcal ME/kg, and 0.15% and 0.165% units of Av.P and total Ca, with improving broiler performance and environmental impacts.