The Effects of Life-Enzyme (Zymomonas mobilis) Treated Sawdust on Growth Performance, Apparent Nutrient Digestibility and Ileal Digesta Viscosity and Economics of Broiler Chickens

Abstract

A 56-day study investigated the effects of Zymomonas mobilis treated sawdust on growth and economics of broiler chickens. Three  hundred and seventy-five (375) day old unsexed marshal broiler chicks were allotted to five dietary treatments with 75 broiler chicks per  treatment in a completely randomised designed experiment. Diets were formulated to include untreated sawdust (SD) and Zymomonas  mobilis treated sawdust (ZSD) at 0, 50% and 100%. At the finishing phase (5-8 weeks), dietary treatments with 50% ZSD had higher daily  weight gain and protein efficiency ratio (PER) and the lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR). Overall growth response (0 - 8 weeks) showed  similar values for FCR and PER. There was improved crude fibre digestibility; however, there was no influence on crude protein, ether  extract and ash digestibility at the finishing phase (5-8 weeks). Dietary inclusion of SD and ZSD decreased the values of the ileal digesta  viscosity and economic efficiency. Therefore, 50% SD and 100% ZSD could be incorporated in broiler chickens' diets without  compromising the growth response