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The Effects of Enzyme Supplementation of Corn- and Wheat-Based Diets on Nutrient Digestion and Cecal Microbial Populations in Turkeys

Department of Animal Sciences, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, Wooster, OH 44691; Phone: 330-263-3992; FAX: 330-263-3949

Correspondence: M. S. Lilburn, E-mail:Lilburn.1{at}osu.edu

Growing turkeys (hens) were fed diets comprised of wheat or corn as their primary cereal grain with or without added enzymes to study the effects of these ingredients on energy availability, starch disappearance along the intestinal tract, and cecal microflora populations. There was considerable starch disappearance (80%) occurring distal to the ileocecal junction, which was independent of enzyme supplementation and cereal source. Hens fed the wheat-based diets had improved feed utilization compared with those fed the corn-based diets and this was further improved with the addition of exogenous enzyme (Avizyme 1500). In hens fed the wheat-based diet supplemented with enzyme, there was also a significant reduction in the concentration of starch-degrading bacteria in the ceca. The data suggest that supplemental enzymes may be a tool for the dietary manipulation of intestinal microflora.

Key Words: turkey • enzyme • ceca • microflora • metabolizable energy