Influence of enzyme supplementation on growth performance, serum biochemical parameters and meat quality of broilers fed diets of varying levels of sunflower meal

MSc (Agriculture in Animal Science), North-West University, Mafikeng CampusThis study was conducted to determine the effect of enzyme supplementation (500g/ton kenzyme) on growth performance parameters, carcass characteristics, meat quality and serum biochemical parameters of broilers fed diets of varying levels of sunflower meal (SFM). The aim of the study was to investigate the potential use of SFM as a replacement of soybean meal (SBM) for the role of a protein source in broiler diets. A total of twohundred and eighty-eight (288) day-old Cobb 500 broiler chicks were used for the experiment. A 4 x 2 factorial treatment arrangement in a completely randomized design was conducted with four levels of SFM replacing SBM (Control (0%), 25%, 50%, and 75%) and two enzyme (kemzyme complex, a multi-enzyme (exogenous and endogenous) for improving the digestibility of raw materials and increasing the nutrient levels of the feed) levels (0 and 500 g/ton) with three replications (n= 12 birds/ replicate). The data was analysed using Completely Randomized Design (SAS, 2010). Iso-caloric and isonitrogenous grower and finisher treatment diets were prepared with different levels of SFM. A three-phase commercial broiler ration feeding regimen was used, consisting of starter (standard), grower and finisher. All birds received the control starter diet for the first 10 days. From day 11 up to day 42 (32-day period) birds received their respective grower (20CP, 12.62 ME) and finisher (18CP, 12.96 ME) experimental diets. Growth performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality and haematological bio-chemical parameters were determined. Treatment diet did not significantly (P > 0.05) influence average weight gain (AWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). However, average feed intake (AFI) was significantly (P 0.05) were observed on enzyme supplementation and growth performance parameters. Week (time) had a significant effect (P 0.05) in terms of meat yield, meat quality, internal organs and serum biochemical parameters when birds were fed various inclusion rates of SFM, with or without enzyme supplementation. The findings of this current study concluded that SFM is a potential replacement as an alternative for SBM in broiler diets and can be used to improve production performance. From this present study, inclusion of SFM up to 75% with or without enzyme supplementation showed no significant (P > 0.05) effect on WG, FCR, carcass yield and meat quality and serum biochemical parameters.Master