Synergistic effect of cellulase and hemicellulase on nutrient utilization and performance in broilers fed a corn-soybean meal diet

In the present study, the synergistic effect of dietary cellulase and hemicellulase on the nutrient utilization, performance and digesta (content of jejunum) viscosity in broilers fed a corn-soybean meal diet were studied. The treatment groups included a control, cellulase (0.33 U/g feed), hemicellulase (2 U/g feed) and mixed enzyme (cellulase (0.33 U/g feed) + hemicellulase (2 U/g feed)) group. The enzymes were mixed with the basal diet (21.1 % crude protein, 3000 kcal/ kg metabolizable energy) and fed to male broiler chickens (Cobb strain) for 12 days from 15 days of age. Feed and water were offered ad libitum. Chicks were raised under 25 degrees C in wire-bottomed cages during the entire experimental period. We found that broilers given enzymes grew faster, and that the mixed enzyme was most effective. Feed intake remained the same for all of the treatment groups. Carcass weight was increased by mixed enzyme significantly, but not by cellulase and hemicellulase. The enzymes, but not mixed enzyme, decreased abdominal fat and were significant in the case of cellulase. Enzymes did not affect muscle weight and nitrogen-retention, but metabolizable energy content of the diet was improved by the mixed enzyme. Ash-retention was increased by hemicellulase and mixed enzyme. Digesta viscosity was significantly decreased by cellulase, but not by hemicellulase and the mixed enzyme. The results indicate that the combination of cellulase and hemicellulase has a synergistic effect on the performance of broilers fed a corn-soybean meal diet.