Effect of α-amylase on performance and nutrient utilization of broilers fed diets based on cassava and soybean meal

Abstract

The effect of a commercial α-amylase was assessed in a commercial broiler operation in China. α-amylase was supplemented to a nutritionally marginal diet based on cassava and soybean meal at 1500, 2000 and 2500 U/kg feed, respectively. The growth performance of the birds was recorded over a 21 d period and apparent metabolisable energy (AME), the digestibility coefficients of N, DM and total starch were measured. It can be concluded that the use of α-amylase in a cassava/soybean-based diet is effective in improving nutrient digestibility and performance of broilers fed nutritionally marginal diets. The optimum supplementation dose of α-amylase under these trial conditions is between 2000 - 2500 U/kg feed.