Starch Digestion Along the Gastrointestinal Tract in Broiler Chickens Offered a Wheat- or Corn-Based Diet

Abstract

Starch is the most abundant source of energy in broiler diets, providing about 50 % of apparent metabolisable energy. Broiler diets generally contain approximately 40 % starch, which is thought to be completely digested within the small intestine. However, the microbiota in the large intestine also plays an important role in starch digestion, producing volatile fatty acids that act as an energy source. The potential consequence of this is an incorrect prediction of the digestible energy values of diets when considering the contribution of starch. In this regard, it is important to understand the kinetics of starch digestion and the degree of disappearance throughout the chicken gastrointestinal tract.