Effects of quinoa seed-based diets in combination with enzyme supplements on the serum biochemical parameters, nutrient digestibility, tibia characteristics and immunity of broiler chickens

Abstract

Introduction: The objective of this study was to examine the influenceof quinoa seed-based
diets in combination with phytase and protease enzymes on the serum biochemical parameters,
nutrient digestibility, intestinal variables, tibia characteristics and immunity of broiler chickens.
Materials & Methods: A total of 250 one-day-old broiler chicks (ROSS 308) were randomly
allocated into 5 treatments with 5 replicate pens per treatment and 10 birds each. The
experimental treatments were a corn-soybean meal diet as control group or control diet
supplemented with 150 g/kg of quinoa seed alone olone or supplemented with protease, phytase
and combination of protease and phytase.
Results: The results indicated a significant decrease in serum concentration of cholesterol,
triglycerides and AST activity of broilers fed quinoa seed supplemented with protease and
phytase than the control group (P<0.05).Jejunum and ileum length enhanced in broiler chickens
which received all experimental diets compared with control (P<0.05).Nutrient digestibility
coefficients of crude protein calcium and phosphorous were significantly greater in broilers fed
on diets supplemented with phytase or phytase +protease (P<0.05).In tibia variables, the highest
concentration of calcium and phosphorous was observed in phytase or phytase+protease
supplemented diets (P<0.05).the relative weight of bursa and spleen as immunity organs was
increased in broilers fed protease or phytase supplemented diets (P<0.05).
Conclusion: In conclusion, the addition of phytase or protease enzymes to quinoa seed-based
diet may be a suitable scenario to improve nutrient digestibility, immunity or some tibia
characteristics in broiler chickens.