Enzymes in Poultry Feed

Abstract

Since the use of non-traditional feedstuffs has become more popular in poultry production, the use of exogenous enzymes has become more crucial. In order to lower the cost of ration formulation, low protein diets and unconventional feedstuffs are now being used. Therefore, enzyme supplementation or fermented feedstuffs could release certain nutrients and increase their availability. In conclusion, the supplementation of exogenous enzymes may introduce a positive development in terms of poultry nutrition. For instance, it has been discovered that phytase supplementation may release phosphorus from phytate and reduce phosphorus excretion in broiler manure. In addition, fiber-degrading enzymes have been proven to improve broiler performance and reduce intestinal viscosity. Likewise, protein-degrading enzymes are beneficial in low-protein diets, as they decrease anti-nutritional factors in soybean meal, increase crude protein, amino acids digestibility and reduce nitrogen excretion and ammonia emission in broiler manure, which positively impacts the environment. The supplementation of mixed exogenous enzymes to broiler feed may lead to better utilization of the nutrients on behalf of the chickens. This chapter discusses the most common enzymes in the field of poultry production, such as β-glucanase, xylanase, mannanase, phytase, and protease.