β-mannanase and mannan oligosaccharides in broiler chicken feed

The study aimed to evaluate the use of β-mannanase and mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) to replace growth promoters in broiler diets. Four hundred male Cobb broiler chicks were used, with initial weight of 45±1g, distributed in a completely randomized design with five treatments and eight repetitions of ten birds. The treatments were: basal feed; basal feed without growth promoter; basal feed without growth promoter + β-mannanase; basal feed without growth promoter + MOS; and basal feed without growth promoter + β-mannanase + MOS. The feed intake of the birds increased in response to dietary treatments compared to basal diet during the period 1-21 days of age. A higher weight gain and improved feed conversion was found at 42 days of age among birds that had received the basal diet without growth promoter + MOS. The absolute weight at slaughter, relative carcass and prime cuts except breast weights improved in response to dietary treatments compared to the basal diet at 42 days of age. No difference was observed in relative weight of the liver, while significant differences were found in the weight of heart, gizzard, and abdominal fat. It was concluded that β-mannanase and MOS can replace the growth promoters in broiler diets without compromising production and economic performance. However, the association of these products into the feed may cause negative interaction that reduces the broiler chickens' performance