Effects of removal of mucilage and enzyme or sepiolite supplement on the nutrient digestibility and metabolyzable energy of a diet containing linseed in broiler chickens

Two experiments were conducted with broiler chickens from 22 to 28 days of age. In Experiment 1, the effect of adding enzyme preparations to a maize, soyabean meal and linseed (125 g kg(-1)) basal diet was evaluated. Commercial enzyme complexes (Energex(R) CT, Luctazyme(R) aviar and Pectinase Lucta) with high xylanase and pectinase activities were used. The results showed that responses to enzymes in terms of digestibility of protein, amino acids, fat and major fatty acids as well as dietary AME value (AMEn) were not significant. Digesta viscosity value at the jejunal level was not affected by enzyme treatment. In Experiment 2, the effects of substituting demucilaged-linseed for linseed in the basal diet and addition of sepiolite to a diet containing linseed were evaluated. Removal of mucilage was achieved by extracting the seed with hot water (80 degreesC) for 2 h. The substitution of demucilaged-linseed for linseed significantly improved the digestibility of fat and major fatty acids as well as AMEn. Moreover, digesta viscosity was markedly reduced (29.6 vs. 4.9 cP). Addition of sepiolite to the diet containing linseed had no influence on the nutrient utilization and on intestinal digesta viscosity. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.