Effect of Supplemental Multi-Enzymes in the Diet of Meat-Type Ducks on Production Performance, Carcass Yields and Gastrointestinal Morphology

Abstract

Objective: The effect of mixed enzymes supplementation in the diet of meat-type ducks were determined on the production performance, carcass yield and gastrointestinal morphology from 1-45 days of age. Materials and Methods: A total of 384 ducks were divided into 4 treatments and each treatment consisted of 6 replicates of 16 ducks each. A completely randomized design with a 2×2 factorial pattern was used with 2 main effects: (1) Nutrients levels (D) (conventional diet, CD and low protein and energy diet, LD) and (2) Multi-enzyme supplementation (E) (non-supplemented, NS and supplemented, S). Results: In terms of nutrient levels, reduction of protein and energy in diet (LD) significantly depressed the average body weight (BW, p<0.05) and average daily gain (ADG, p<0.05) during the starter period. Moreover, the feed conversion ratio (FCR) of the LD groups was poor (p<0.05) throughout the experimental period. Supplementation with multi-enzymes (S) had no significant effect on production performance but reduced body fat accumulation (subcutaneous and abdominal fat, p<0.05). There was an interaction effect between D and E (p<0.05) on the villus height/crypt depth ratio (V/C ratio) of the duodenum, that is, the supplementation of multi-enzymes in the LD group decreased the V/C ratio. Conclusion: Throughout the study, low dietary protein and energy contents did not depress the growth rate since the ducks could compensate by increasing their feed intake to achieve a maximal growth rate, though consequently, the FCR was poor. Supplementation with multi-enzymes did not improve production performance but fat accumulation was reduced. The effects of supplemental multi-enzymes on gut morphology should be a future focus.