Enzyme Supplementation of Sorghum Diets Could Influence the Blood Profile and Histology of Digestive Organs in Broiler Chickens

This study evaluated the effect of dietary enzyme supplementation (phytase - PHY, xylanase-amylase-protease mixture - XAP and xylanase-beta-glucanase - XBG) on the blood profile and histology of digestive organs of broiler chickens. Three hundred and thirty, day-old Hyline broiler chicks were assigned to 11 treatments. Two basal diets were formulated; maize-soybean (positive control) and sorghum- soybean (negative control) with the sorghum diet further subdivided into 9 diets containing PHY, XAP and XBG at three levels (250, 500 and 750 mg/kg) each. At the 8th week, the blood profile and histology of the organs were determined. Results indicated significant (P < 0.05) effect of treatments on haematological and serum biochemical indices. Histopathological examination of the gizzard, duodenum and liver revealed mild to no distortions. The study concluded that for optimum blood profile and histological integrity of digestive organs, 250 and 500 mg of phytase® enzyme should be supplemented to sorghum diets.