Upregulation of genes encoding digestive enzymes and nutrient transporters in the digestive system of broiler chickens by dietary supplementation of fiber and inclusion of coarse particle size corn

Abstract

BackgroundMeasures to improve bird performance have been sought due to the imminent phase out of in-feed antibiotics in poultry and continued demand for higher poultry feeding efficiency. Increasing grain particle size and dietary fibre may improve gizzard function, digestive efficiency and nutrient absorption. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect increased particle size of corn and inclusion of sugarcane bagasse (SB) on mRNA expression of genes encoding digestive enzymes and nutrient transporters in broilers.ResultsA total of 336 day-old Ross 308 males were assigned in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments with corn particle size - coarse 3576 μm or fine 1113 μm geometric mean diameter, and SB - 0 or 2% inclusion. Feed conversion ratio (FCR), weight gain and feed intake were measured from d 0–10 and d 10–24. The relative gizzard weight and mRNA expression of genes encoding digestive enzymes and intestinal nutrient transporters were measured on d 24. During d 10–24, a particle size × SB interaction was observed for FCR (P < 0.01), where birds fed coarsely ground corn (CC) with 2% SB had lower FCR than those fed CC without SB. A particle size × SB interaction was observed for both expression of pepsinogen A and C (P < 0.01) which were negatively correlated with FCR on d 24. Addition of 2% SB upregulated pepsinogen A and C only in CC fed birds. Further, 2% SB also upregulated pancreatic amylase (AMY2A) and intestinal cationic amino acid transporter-1 (CAT1). Inclusion of dietary CC upregulated duodenal amino peptidase N (APN), jejunal alanine, serine, cysteine and threonine transporter-1 (ASCT1), and ileal peptide transporter-2 (PepT2).ConclusionThese results suggest that both SB and coarse particle size modulate expression of genes encoding important digestive enzymes and nutrient transporters and thus are directly related to bird performance. These findings provide insights into the combination effects of dietary fiber and particle size in the future management of broiler feeding.

The Impact of Wheat Bran on the Morphology and Physiology of the Gastrointestinal Tract in Broiler Chickens

“…Inconsistent with our findings, Yokhana et al [ 37 ] reported that insoluble fiber supplementation increased proteolytic digestive enzyme activities in the proventriculus and pancreas of broilers. Kheravii et al [ 38 ] demonstrated that dietary fiber upregulated the expression of genes encoding digestive enzymes in broilers. One possible reason for the increased enzyme activity was that WB could stimulate enzyme secretion by regulating the production of hormones, such as cholecystokinin, secretin and gastrin produced in the digestive tract [ 39 ].…”

Fermented wheat bran by xylanase-producing Bacillus cereus boosts the intestinal microflora of broiler chickens

“…The fundamental method to improve digestive ability is to enhance the activity of digestive enzymes in intestines, so as to speed up the degradation of nutrients in diets. Researches showed that intestinal enzyme activity in broilers was mainly affected by diets composition (Kheravii et al, 2018 ), bacteria agents (Li et al, 2015 ), and ambient temperature (Osman and Tanios, 1983 ). The addition of exogenous enzymes can promote feed digestion and absorption efficiency of nutrient in poultry's diets (Ramesh and Devegowda, 2004 ; Zhang et al, 2014 ; Yin et al, 2018 ).…”

Influence of Particle Size and Xylanase in Corn-Soybean Pelleted Diets on Performance, Nutrient Utilization, Microbiota and Short-Chain Fatty Acid Production in Young Broilers

“…Therefore, it is reasonable to suggest that the increasing gizzard size improves exogenous enzyme response due to increased peristalsis, mixing, pH, and gut stimulation. On the latter, Kheravii et al [ 57 ] demonstrated that the coarse particles modulate expression of genes encoding important digestive enzymes and nutrient transporters, with consequent benefits in the performance of birds [ 57 ]. Although, no significant interactions on digestibility or performance were observed in the present study, there were significant changes in the microbiota profile of both 1700 and 540 µm D gw corn diets when xylanase was added.…”