Impact of combined xylanase and β-glucanase enzymes on digesta transit time, short-chain fatty acids and caecal thermal profile of broilers fed corn-soy-based diets

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of including a xylanase + β-glucanase enzyme product in corn-soy-based diets on performance, caecal short-chain fatty acids and thermal profile, ileal digestibility and intestinal kinetics of broiler chickens. A total of 744 d-old male chicks were randomly allotted to 24 floor pens and distributed in a 2 2 factorial arrangement with low or high energy level without or with 100 grams of the enzyme per ton of feed. Enzyme supplementation improved bodyweight gain from 1 to 21 d. An increased caecal concentration of acetic acid was observed when the enzyme was added to the low-energy diet. The pH of the caecal content was reduced and the caecal temperature was increased by low-energy diets. The apparent ileal digestibility of energy was improved by the enzyme. The addition of the enzyme increased the mean retention time in the distal ileum. In summary, the addition of a xylanase + β-glucanase enzyme product in corn-based diets increases the retention time of digesta in the distal ileum and the caecal acetic acid concentration, improves ileal digestibility of energy and performance from 1 to 21 d in broiler chickens fed corn-soy-based diets.

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