Effect of Different Levels of Xylanase-Amylase-Protease® (XAP) Enzyme supplementation in Acha fed Broiler chickens

Abstract

1. This study evaluated the synergistic effect of varying levels of xylanase-amylase-protease® (XAP) supplementation on the growth performance, carcass characteristics and economics of production of broiler chickens fed acha - based diets. Acha grains were used as replacement for maize such that basal diets were formulated; maize-soybean (T1) and acha-soybean (T2) to serve as positive and negative controls, respectively. Furthermore, XAP® was supplemented into the acha-based diest at 250, 500 and 750 mg/kg levels to constitute treatments T3, T4 and T5 respectively. A total of 120 day-old Abor-Acre broiler chicks were randomly assigned to the five treatments with 24 birds each in a completely randomized design (CRD). Each treatment was further divided into three replicates of eight (8) birds each. All chicks were managed under the same experimental conditions for 49 days. Data were collected on the respective parameters. Results showed significant (P<0.05) differences among treatments in all growth parameters (except the feed conversion ratio). Final body weight, weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were improved by XAP supplementation. Feed intake was enhanced for birds fed acha with or without enzyme supplementation. Cost per kg gain, cost of feed consumed per bird and weekly cost of feed were significantly (P<0.05) influenced by dietary treatments. The XAP enzyme combinations improved the carcass yield (73.12 75.85%) of broiler chickens. Relative weights for major cuts like back, breast and thigh were significantly (P<0.05) affected by dietary treatments. Significant (P<0.05) differences were observed among treatments for GIT weight and length (except for ilium length). In all cases the acha diet with 250 mg/kg XAP supplementation appeared superior in most parameters compared with other treatment groups. This study concludes that 250 mg XAP enzyme supplementation should be included into Acha based diet for optimum growth performance, carcass yield and cost effectiveness of broiler production.