Articles

Increased feed prices have increased pressure on nutritional approaches to support broilers despite low dietary energy density. Nevertheless, reducing dietary energy usually jeopardizes the rate of growth, feed ratio and the use of nutrients. Enzyme supplementation- especially phyatase (3000 FTU/kg), β-mannanase (5000 IU/g), xylanase-15000 IU/g at 100 g/ton), organic acids (citric acid 5 g/kg) have proven to mitigate the adverse effects of low-energy diets. These supplements improve the digestibility of nutrients, improve gut morphology, minimize anti-nutritional effects and make the gastrointestinal environment healthier. This review presents the individual and synergistic action of these supplements and their potential use to counteract energy reduced performance losses in broilers fed on energy-restricted diets. It is indicated that incorporation of phytase, carbohydrases, citric acid positively impacts body weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) and increases the bioavailability of energy-yielding nutrients which results into more profitable and sustainable broiler production.