Increased small intestinal fermentation is partly responsible for the anti-nutritive activity of non-starch polysaccharides in chickens

Author(s)
Choct, Mingan
Hughes, Robert J
Wang, J
Bedford, M R
Morgan, A J
Annison, Geoffrey
Publication Date
1996
Abstract
1. The mechanism of the anti-nutritive activities of soluble non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) in broiler diets was investigated with emphasis on the interrelationship between viscosity and fermentation along the gut. Isolated soluble NSP were added to a control diet to effect high gut viscosity, and in vivo depolymerisation of the NSP was achieved using a commercial glycanase. 2. Addition of soluble NSPs significantly (P<0.01) increased gut viscosity, reduced the AME of the diet and depressed the growth and FCE of the birds. Enzyme supplementation of the NSP-enriched diet reversed the adverse effects, increasing (P<0.01) weight gain, FCE and AME. Comparisons of the viscosities (mPa) in birds fed on the NSP-enriched diet and the same diet supplemented with enzyme were respectively: 11-9 v. 2-3 in the duodenum; 78-3 v. 4-4 in the jejunum and 409-3 v. 10-8 in the ileum. 3. Caecal volatile fatty acid concentration was markedly (P<0.01) elevated by enzyme supplementation, whereas ileal fermentation was inhibited. 4. Microscopic examination revealed that, among birds fed on the NSP-enriched diet, there had been extensive small intestinal fermentation, which was eliminated by the enzyme supplementation. 5. Addition of a synthetic antibiotic (Amoxil) had no beneficial effects. 6. The current study demonstrated that increased fermentation occurs in the small intestine when a large amount of viscous NSPs is present in the diet and this is detrimental to the performance and well-being of poultry.
Citation
British Poultry Science, 37(3), p. 609-621
ISSN
1466-1799
0007-1668
Link
Language
en
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Title
Increased small intestinal fermentation is partly responsible for the anti-nutritive activity of non-starch polysaccharides in chickens
Type of document
Journal Article
Entity Type
Publication

Files:

NameSizeformatDescriptionLink