Effect of different proteases on the growth performance of broilers

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of protease (enzyme) on growth, economics, carcass characteristics and immune response of broiler chicks. One hundred twenty, day old broiler chicks was divided into 12 replicates of 10 chicks each. These replicates were allotted four treatments (A, B, C and D). Group A (control) was offered diet without any supplementation of protease, whereas, group B, C and D was fed diets supplemented with Cibenza protease, Promix protease and Winzyme pro plus protease, respectively, for 42 days of age. Data on performance including initial body weight, weight gain and feed consumption were recorded for the calculation of weekly feed conversion ratio. All the birds were vaccinated against Newcastle and Infectious bursal disease. To check the antibody titers against Newcastle and Infectious bursal disease, blood samples (2/birds/replicate) were collected on 28th and 32nd days respectively. On day 42 two birds from each replicate were picked at random and were slaughtered to calculate their carcass yield, dressing percentage, giblet weight and abdominal fat content. The economics of protease addition in the diet was calculated on day 42nd. The data thus collected was statistically analyzed under Completely Randomized Design and treatment means were compared by Least Significance Difference test. Addition of proteases exhibited a significant (P less than 0.05) effect on the growth performance. The results revealed a significant (P less than 0.05) increase in feed intake, body weight gain and improved FCR in the birds of treatment group B, C and D which were offered Cibenza DP 1 00, Promix and Winzyme, respectively. However, feed intake, body weight gain and FCR were significantly (P less than 0.05) affected in the birds (group C) fed diet contain Promix.