Emulsifier effect on fat utilization in broiler chicken

Abstract

A trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of fat emulsifier on fat utilization in broiler chickens using 240 days old chicks which were divided into 24 replicates in a 3×2 factorial arrangement under Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Experimental diets were formulated using 1, 2 or 3% fat with or without fat emulsifier (Lecithin) at 350 mg kg-1. The trial lasted for 35 days and was divided into starter and finisher phases. Statistical analysis of the data collected during the trial revealed that feed intake was not affected (p>0.05) by fat and fat emulsifier. Increasing fat levels resulted in a linear decrease (p<0.05) in starter weight gain but it didn't affect (p>0.05) finisher and overall weight gain. Fat emulsifier affected (p<0.05) finisher, final and overall weight gain but starter weight gain remained unaffected (p>0.05). Starter Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) increased (p<0.05) with increasing fat levels but finisher and overall FCR remained unaltered (p>0.05). Fat emulsifier didn't affect (p>0.05) starter FCR but finisher FCR was improved with fat emulsifier supplementation (p<0.05). Dietary fat didn't affect (p>0.05) Dry Matter (DM) and Ether Extract (EE) digestibility but fat emulsifier significantly improved (p<0.05) DM and EE digestibility. The carcass composition study results revealed that fat emulsifier affected (p<0.05) the heart weight and linearly increasing fat levels resulted in a linear decrease (p<0.05) in gizzard weight. The combination of fat and fat emulsifier affected (p<0.05) finisher FCR, finisher weight gain, DM digestibility and EE digestibility. This investigation reveals that dietary fat should be avoided in starter diets and supplementation of fat emulsifier in broiler diets may improve DM and EE digestibility.