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Frontiers in Veterinary Science
Frontiers
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Abstract: |
Improving the nutritional quality of unconventional feed ingredients such as fava bean
by-products can enhance their utilization by broiler chickens. Hence, the quality of
fermented fava bean by-products (FFB), in addition to growth, nutrient digestibility,
digestive enzyme, and intestinal barrier-related gene expression, and serum biochemical
and immunological parameters were evaluated in response to different levels of FFB. A
total of 500 1-day-old broiler chicks (46.00 ± 0.388 g) were allocated to five groups with
10 replicates each (100 chicks per treatment). The first group was fed a corn–soybean
diet (control diet), and the other four groups were fed a diet containing 5, 15, 25,
and 35% FFB for 38 days. Birds fed 25% FFB exhibited maximum body weight gain
(increase by 12.5%, compared with the control group) and the most improved feed
conversion ratio. Additionally, birds fed FFB at 15, 25, and 35% showed improved
dry matter and crude protein digestibility. Moreover, birds fed FFB at 25 and 35%
exhibited a decrease in ileal pH and an increase in fiber digestibility (p < 0.05).
Upregulation of digestive enzyme genes (AMY2A, PNLIP, and CCK) was observed in
groups fed with FFB. The most prominent upregulation of genes encoding tight junction
proteins (claudin-1, occludin, and junctional adhesion molecules) in the duodenum
was observed in chicks fed 25 and 35% FFB (increase of 0.66-, 0.31-, and 1.06-fold
and 0.74-, 0.44-, and 0.92-fold, respectively). Additionally, the highest expression
level of enterocyte protective genes [glucagon-like peptide (GLP-2), mucin-2 (MUC-2),
and fatty acid-binding protein (FABP-6)] was detected in duodenum of chicks fed
high levels of FFB. Substitution of corn–soybean diet with FFB had an inhibitory
effect on cecal pathogenic microbes (Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens) andincreased beneficialmicroflora (Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium), especially at high levels.
Additionally, an increase was observed in IgM and lysozyme activity, with no effect on
IgA in all groups fed FFB. All levels of FFB decreased cholesterol levels. Based on our
results, we concluded that substitution of corn–soybean diet with FFB can improve the
growth rate and nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens, enhance their intestinal barrier
functions, and increase the number of beneficial microorganisms. Using FFB at 25% had
a positive effect on the growth performance of broiler chickens, and it could be utilized
in poultry farms.
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