The effects of corncob and xylanase supplementation on performance, ileal digestibility, intestinal morphology, gastrointestinal pH, and serum biochemical traits in the broiler chickens

This study evaluated the effects of corncob as a source of insoluble fibre and xylanase enzyme on broiler chicken performance, ileal digestibility, intestinal morphology, gastrointestinal pH, and serum biochemical traits. Two hundred fifty six 1-day-old (Ross 308) broiler chicks were randomly given six diets for 24 days: a control diet with 0%, 2.5%, or 5% corncob, with or without xylanase, in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement. Then, chicks were given the control diet with or without xylanase until they reached 42 days. Adding corncob to diets reduced performance during the grower phase ( P ≤ 0.05), but when removed, the performance did not differ from the control ( P ≥ 0.05). Corncob reduced ash digestibility and cholesterol levels ( P ≤ 0.05) while increasing the relative weight of the heart, gizzard, and duodenum and improving the ileal villus high-to-crypt depth ratio ( P ≤ 0.05). The feed conversion ratio increased due to corncob inclusion in diets at the starter and grower phases ( P ≤ 0.05) but did not differ from the control at the finisher phase. Xylanase supplementation improved performance, nutrient digestibility, intestinal histomorphology, and reduced cecum weight with digestive tract pH ( P ≤ 0.05). Therefore, adding corncob with xylanase enzyme to broiler chickens’ diet does not negatively impact their performance. On the contrary, it improves the broilers’ health and reduces production costs.