Potential of new-generation microbial enzymes to improve energy value and ileal nutrient digestibility of cereal grains for broiler chickens.

Abstract

The major objective of this study was to investigate the comparative broilers performance, internal physiology and nutrient utilization in order to improve the nutritive value of cereal grains using new-generation microbial enzymes. There are four data files for each experiment. Wheat, maize or sorghum grain are included in diets for broiler chickens with supplementation of different levels of phytase, xylanase and β-glucanase in four individual experiments. Dietary treatments were prepared mixed in feed mill of the Centre for Animal Research and Teaching, University of New England, NSW, Australia. Experiments were conducted in environmentally controlled houses, feeds are provided ad libitum as crumbed or pellets. The enzyme products (phytase (Quantum Blue), xylanase (Econase XT 25) and β-glucanase (Econase GT) were supplied by AB Vista, Marlborough, UK. The grains were obtained from local suppliers in New South Wales, Australia as well as the mixed-sex day-old Ross 308 chicks which purchased from local hatchery. Experimental birds were raised from zero to 35d on wheat, maize and sorghum-based diets in four different experiments. Gross response (Feed intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR)) was assessed at 10, 24, and 35 d of age. Visceral organ weight and digestive enzyme analysis were measured at 10 and 24 d of age. Nutrient digestibility (apparent and standardized) and energy utilization were investigated between 20 and 24 d of age. Meat part yield (breast, thighs and drumsticks) and bone development were measured at 35 d. <br> This dataset consists of 4 files: <br> Dataset for Chapter 3: Endogenous enzyme activities of broiler chickens fed wheat-based diets supplemented with carbohydrases and phytase. <br> Dataset for Chapter 4: Energy utilization and endogenous enzyme activities of broiler chickens fed maize-based diets supplemented with carbohydrases and phytase. <br> Dataset for Chapter 5: Energy utilization and endogenous enzyme activities of broiler chickens fed sorghum-based diets supplemented with carbohydrases and phytase. <br> Dataset for Chapter 6: Standardized ileal digestibility and endogenous nitrogen flow of broiler chickens fed wheat-based diets supplemented with carbohydrases.