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Effect of feed processing and enzyme supplementation of wheat-based diets on performance of broiler chicks

An experiment was conducted using 336 one-day-old broiler chicks (Ross® 308) to evaluate the effects of feed processing (pelleted vs. mash) and enzyme supplementation (with and without 0.3 g Grindazym GP 15,000/kg of wheat in a complete diet) on broiler chick performance from 1 to 36 days of age. Birds were randomly allocated to one of the four dietary treatments, each replicated four times (21 chicks per pen) in a completely randomised design in a 2×2 factorial arrangements. Measurements included body weight (BW), daily gain (DG), feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and relative weight of gastrointestinal organs to BW (%). Results showed that the broiler chicks fed the pelleted diets had significantly (P < 0.05) improved BW, DG, FI and FCR. In addition, birds fed the diet containing the enzyme supplement had significantly (P < 0.05) improved BW, DG, FI and FCR; however, the beneficial effects of the enzyme were mainly limited to earlier stages of growth. There was a significant interaction between feed processing and enzyme supplementation for FCR between 20 and 36 days. Neither feed processing nor enzyme supplementation had significant effects on carcass or gastrointestinal characteristics, except gizzard weight relative to BW at 36 days of age. In conclusion, the results of this experiment show that both pelleting and enzyme supplementation are valuable tools to improve broiler chicks performance and feed utilisation which is plays a crucial role in reducing feed supply shortage in developing countries.