Influence of Particle Size and Xylanase in Corn-Soybean Pelleted Diets on Performance Nutrient Utilization Microbiota and Short-Chain Fatty Acid Production in Young Broilers

摘要

The use of enzymes, such as xylanase, in poultry production has the objective of improving the productive value of diets by releasing nutrient content and boosting animal performance, with the consequent reduction in feed costs and environmental impact. Additionally, xylanase could have benefits in the intestinal microbiota through the prebiotic effect of oligosaccharides produced from the arabinoxylans present in the diet. In broilers, little is known of how feed processing of the diet, such as pelletizing, particle size, and grinding method, could affect enzyme efficacy in corn-based diets. The present study aimed to understand the effects of corn particle size and xylanase supplementation in pelleted diets on the performance, nutrient utilization, short-chain fatty acid concentration, gut microbiota, and intestinal development of young broilers. Our results have shown evidence of the importance of coarse particles on the gut development and digestibility of nutrients, and along with the xylanase, has shown benefits on microbiota modulation and in reducing the variation in body weight.