Improving the Nutritive Value of Barley-Based Broiler Diets by Optimizing NSPase Efficacy through Grinding and Feeding Regimen

Abstract

The present study was an attempt to improve the use of barley as a major cereal grain in broiler diets using NSPase while investigating the effect of feed grinding level and feeding regimen on NSPase efficacy. Furthermore, the effect of dietary treatments on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and prevalence of Clostridium perfringens in broilers was studied. Overall, NSPase supplementation in finely ground diet, and with intermittent feeding improved growth performance. NSPase efficacy was enhanced with fine grinding and intermittent feeding and the effect was evident from improved increased protein digestibility and lower prevalence of C. perfringens.