Evaluation of the nutritional value of sunflower meal and its effect on performance, digestive enzyme activity, organ weight, and histological alterations of the intestinal villi of broiler chickens

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the AME of sunflower meal (SFM) and the use of various levels of SFM on the performance, digestive enzyme activity, organ weight, and histological alterations of intestinal villi of broilers chickens. In experiment 1, the AME(n) of SFM was determined. The extrapolation value for the AMEn of SFM at 100% inclusion was 1,219 kcal/kg. In experiment 2, the effects of various levels of SFM (0, 70, 140, and 210 g/kg) on chick performance, blood parameters, digestive enzyme activities, and morphological measurements of intestinal villi were tested. Body weight gain, feed intake, and FCR were improved (P < 0.05) when up to 140 g of SFM was used. However, 210 g of SFM had a negative effect on performance (P < 0.05). Relative weights (g of organ/kg of BW) of the gastrointestinal tract and gizzard increased (P < 0.05). The activities of digestive enzyme (protease and alpha-amylase) were not influenced by treatment. Among the blood parameters, concentration of high-density lipoprotein increased significantly and that of low-density lipoprotein decreased (P < 0.05). Villus height was decreased and crypt depth was increased in both the duodenum and jejunum with increasing levels of SFM (P < 0.05). Therefore, up to 140 g of SFM/kg of diet can be used in broiler diets without adverse effects on performance or other parameters.