Nutrient digestibility

[D Kannathasan]

The digestibility of crude protein varies from 52 to 92%. However, a very low crude protein digestibility ranging from 13 to 47% were recorded in studies. The lowest fat digestibility recorded was 6% when most of fat digestibility varies from 46 to 93%

[Md. Abdul Bari]

Optimizing nutrient digestibility in broilers is crucial for maximizing growth performance and feed efficiency. Here are some practical strategies based on experience and research:

1. Feed Formulation & Ingredient Selection

Use highly digestible ingredients, such as processed soybean meal, corn, wheat, and fishmeal.

Balance amino acids using digestible values instead of crude protein to enhance efficiency.

Incorporate enzymes like phytase, protease, and carbohydrases to improve nutrient availability.

Reduce anti-nutritional factors by using heat-treated soybeans and fermented ingredients.

2. Pelleting & Feed Processing

Pelleted feed improves digestibility compared to mash feed by reducing feed wastage and increasing nutrient availability.

Proper conditioning and steam pelleting at 75-85°C help gelatinize starch and improve feed utilization.

3. Optimizing Gut Health

Probiotics & prebiotics help maintain a healthy gut microbiome and enhance digestion.

Organic acids (like formic, butyric, and lactic acids) lower gut pH and improve protein digestion.

Essential oils & phytogenics (garlic, oregano, thyme) boost digestive enzyme secretion.

4. Proper Feeding Management

Maintain fresh, clean water at all times to aid digestion.

Feed broilers on a consistent schedule and avoid sudden feed changes.

[Md.Rejuan Hossain]

Several potential strategies to improve digestive tract growth and function in newly hatched chick are available and the options include breeder nutrition, in ovo feeding, early access to feed and water, special pre-starter diets, judicious use of feed additives, and early programming.

[Jeffery Escobar]

The first questions to consider are what make you think that nutrient digestibility is compromised or reduced in your birds? And what objective indicators have you measured to state that birds are not digesting properly? There are many factors that can reduce nutrient digestibility including disease, antinutritional factors, mycotoxins and other contaminants, fibrous ingredients, ingredients that will increase digesta viscosity, etc. First, we need to diagnose what is the most likely cause of the reduced digestibility. Then, we can think about solutions like replacing, diluting, or excluding ingredients, use of feed additives (e.g., enzymes, probiotics, etc.) and other interventions. Nutrient digestibility and growth efficiency can be affected by environmental and management factors like poor water quality, crowding, poor ventilation, heat stress, and many more. So not only think about what is going on in the gut but also what other factors can be affecting the overall performance of birds.

[Md. Osman Sheikh]

Can adding fiber to their diet, grinding feed, and using natural gut health promoters,

Adding 1% insoluble fiber to a broiler’s diet can improve pancreatic activity,

Feeding broilers 3% wheat bran can increase the activity of pancreatic amylase and trypsin,

Diets containing rice hulls can increase antibody titers in broilers.