Microbial modulating effect of xylanase enzyme supplemented rice husk on the gastrointestinal tract of broiler chickens

Abstract

The development of antibiotics-resistance pathogens in poultry which poses threat to human health has necessitated the search for alternative to antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) to improve gut microflora in poultry diets. One of the alternatives to AGPs is probiotics which are beneficial organisms. The prebiotic potentials of enzyme supplemented high fibre feedstuffs (HFFs) are not known. This study was conducted to assess the prebiotics potential of xylanase enzyme supplemented rice husk (RH) on broiler chickens (in-vivo). The study showed that replacement of maize with RH irrespective of levels supplemented with 100ppm xylanase enzyme caused a reduction in feed intake and an increase in weight gain and better FCR. It was observed that birds fed diet with 10% RH supplemented with xylanase enzyme out-performed birds fed diets with 20 or 30% RH supplemented with xylanase enzyme and closer to the birds fed the control diet which was with better FCR. Enzyme supplementation of RH helped in increasing and improving protein, ether extract and fibre digestibilities. The identification of microbes (Fungi and Bacteria) showed that dietary levels of RH (10, 20 or 30% inclusion) with supplementation of enzyme xylanase enhanced the growth of beneficial microbes which resulted in inhibition or elimination of the opportunistic/pathogenic microbes. The result of the cost benefit analysis also showed that 10% inclusion level of RH supplemented with xylanase enzyme gave the best result of a beneficiary reduction in the cost of production with the best improved broiler performance. The use of enzymes is therefore recommended when RH are required as prebiotic source in the gut of broilers.