| Abstrakt: |
To explore the potential use of seaweed co-products for broiler diets, this study investigates whether an enzyme treatment of seaweed co-products improves performance, in vivo digestibility and health in broilers. In total, 360 Ross 308 male broilers were fed one of 5 experimental diets: a basal diet, or a basal diet including the U. laetevirensor S. chordalisco-product, with or without proteolytic enzyme treatment of the seaweed, using 6 replicate pens of 12 birds each. The starter (d 0–13) and grower (d 14–21) diet contained 5 and 10% (w/w) seaweed product, respectively. A general linear model with contrast statements was used after model assumptions and goodness of fit were evaluated through normal distribution of residuals. Inclusion of seaweed in the broiler diets increased body weight gain (+14%; P = 0.002), and feed intake (+12%; P = 0.001) in the third week of the experiment. Birds fed the U. laetevirenscompared to the S. chordalisdiets had a higher body weight gain (+11%; P = 0.007), and a lower feed conversion ratio (FCR; -7%; P< 0.001). Seaweed inclusion reduced apparent pre-cecal digestibility of all nutrients (P< 0.05). Birds fed U. laetevirensvs. S. chordalisdiets had a 10% reduced villus length (P< 0.001). Enzymatic treatment reduced the digestibility of most nutrients, and increased crypt depth in birds fed the U. laetevirensdiets, whereas the opposite was observed for the birds fed the S. chordalisdiets (Seaweed × Enzyme P = 0.035). Untreated vs. treated seaweed in the diets led to lower (−60%) plasma Interleukin-13 levels (P = 0.035). In conclusion, the proteolytic enzyme treatment of the seaweed co-products did not improve performance nor health-related parameters, and reduced digestibility of the diets. Dietary inclusion of U. laetevirensco-products did improve performance based on growth and FCR, whereas inclusion of S. chordalisdid not. Inclusion of U. laetevirensin broiler diets slightly reduced duodenal villus length and crypt depth. The inflammation response was strongly reduced, specifically in birds fed the untreated U. laetevirensdiet, making the U. laetevirensco-product of interest for future research. |
