EFFECT OF PHYTASE SUPPLEMENTATION ON THE GUT MORPHOLOGY OF BROILER CHICKENS FED CABBAGE MEAL-BASED DIETS

Abstract

Efficacy of phytase supplements on gut morphology was investigated in broilers fed diets containing cabbage meal (CM). A total of 144 one-day-old ROSS 308 broiler chickens (BC) were fed broiler starter diet till day 21. The birds were fed experimental diets from day 22-30, after which the length of BC's small intestines (SI), large intestine (LI) and SI diameter (SID) were recorded. The experiment had three replicates with eight birds per replicate. Six semi-purified diets with 100, 200, and 300g/kg CM and 0 or 1000 units of phytase (Natuphos) were formulated in a 2x3 factorial arrangement. Data were analysed using the general linear model of SAS. Orthogonal polynomial contrast was used to determine phytase and their interaction with CM. Diameter of the small SI was measured and their circumference calculated. Result shows that there was no significant difference (P>0.05) between means on all the parameters investigated. Though, phytase (Phy) and its interaction with CM (Phy*CM) had significant effect (P<0.05) on the large intestine (LI). The diameter of the small intestine was also affected significantly (P<0.05) by the interaction between Phy*CM. The effect of phytase, level of CM and its interaction with phytase was not significantly (P>0.05) observed in the SI and its circumference. In conclusion, addition of phytase to cabbage meal-based diets may be a suitable strategy for improving intestinal morphology in ROSS 308 broiler chickens