Effects of exogenous enzymes addition to wheat-based diets on growth and meat performance of male (Ross 308) broiler chickens

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of adding four commercial multi-enzymes on growth performance, meat yield, water intake, litter moisture, jejunal digesta viscosity, and characteristics of the gastrointestinal tract of chicks fed wheat-based diet in comparison with control and corn-based diets. Two hundred and thirty four, one-day-old, Ross 308, male chicks were distributed into pens in a randomized complete block design with six treatments each with three replicate of 13 birds. In all of rearing periods, average daily feed intake, average daily gain, feed conversion ratio, and related parameters were not significantly (P >0.05) affected by enzyme supplementation, exception following cases. The relative weight of the breast as proportion of live weight was significantly (P <0.05) decreased by fed diets included enzymes B, C, and D and corn diet in comparison with control diet. The relative weight of the abdominal fat as proportion of live weight at 28 and 42 days of age was significantly (P