The effect of ?-mannanase and ?-glucanase on small intestine morphology in male broilers fed diets containing various levels of metabolizable energy

Abstract

The aim of this research was conducted to investigate the effect of interaction between dietary enzymes [?-mannanase enzyme (M) and ?-glucanase enzyme (G)] and metabolizable energy (ME) on small intestine morphology in male broilers. In the present study, 160 male broilers were assigned and analyzed under a 23 factorial arrangement of treatments. The treatments were carried out for 21 days and chickens were subsequently slaughtered and samples of different parts of small intestine were collected for morphological assessment. Results showed that G, M and ME × G × M interaction had significant effect on duodenal villus length. Mannanase, ME × M interaction and ME × G interaction had significant effect on duodenal villus width. Mannanase and ME × G × M interaction had significant effect on duodenum crypts depth. Also, ME × G interaction had significant effect on jejunal villus length. ME level, M, ME × G interaction and ME × G × M interaction had significant effect on jejunal crypts depth. Also, G, M and ME × G interaction had significant effect on ileal villus length. ME × M interaction and ME × G × M interaction had significant effect on ileal villus width. ME level, M, ME × G interaction and ME × G × M interaction had significant effect on ileal crypts depth. In conclusion, it seems that feeding of enzyme-supplemented diet in different energy levels can alter some morphological characteristics of small intestine.