Endogenous Nitrogen Flow in Chickens as Influenced by Dietary Levels of Viscous and Non-Viscous

Abstract

This study was undertaken to examine the antinutritional influence of -soluble non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) in monogastric specie. Specifically, the influence of NSP on ileal nitrogen digestibility and flow were determined in broiler chickens. Different levels (3% or 6%) of purified maize arabinoxylan (AX) and barley ß-glucan extract Glucagel TM (BG) were substituted to wheat starch in enzymatically hydrolysed casein-based (EHC) diets. Five experimental diets consisting of EHC, cellulose, wheat starch, dextrose and vegetable oil were formulated. These diets contained titanium oxide as an indigestible marker. Each experimental diet (control, 3% and 6% of BG or AX) was fed for 7 days to 27-day old birds in cages, with 4-5 birds/cage. Inclusion of AX and BG did not significantly influence feed intake (P>O.05). AND was numerically depressed at 90.37% and 90.4% for 6% AX and BG as compared to 91.1% for control diet. Ilea' nitrogen content and endogenous nitrogen flow were numerically increased with increased levels of AX and BG, though statistically significant differences were not observed due to high variations among the replicates. Inclusion of 6% BG significantly depressed dry matter digestibility (P<O.05), suggesting preservation of hydration property of gelling BG. It is then concluded that the anti-nutritional effect of soluble NSP was evident in chicken as indicated by decreased dry matter digestibility (P<0.05) and the extent of increase in ileal flow of nitrogen in chicken.