In the ever-evolving world of poultry nutrition, researchers are continually seeking ways to optimize growth performance and intestinal health in broilers. A recent study published in the journal ‘Poultry Science’ (Korean: ‘계란과 육계’) sheds light on the effects of dietary levels of corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and the supplementation of branched-chain amino acids valine and isoleucine. The lead author, Doyun Goo from the Department of Poultry Science at the University of Georgia, shares insights into this intriguing research.
The study aimed to investigate how additional valine and isoleucine in a high DDGS diet impacts growth performance, intestinal health, and the cecal microbiome in Ross 708 broilers. With 800 day-old male chicks allocated into five dietary treatments, the research team observed some notable trends. As the levels of DDGS increased, there was a reduction in growth performance, carcass weight, breast muscle, and lean weight. However, the addition of valine and isoleucine in the 15% DDGS group (15DB) showed promising results.
“Interestingly, the 15DB group exhibited similar body weight gain and carcass weight compared to the control group,” Goo explains. This suggests that the supplementation of these amino acids could help mitigate the negative effects of DDGS on growth performance. However, the story doesn’t end there. The 30% DDGS group with added valine and isoleucine (30DB) did not show significant growth improvement, despite changes in cecal bacterial diversities.
The research highlights that the impact of additional valine and isoleucine varies depending on the level of DDGS in the diet. While these amino acids may play a role in growth and muscle deposition, they do not seem to have a significant impact on intestinal health. This nuanced understanding could shape future developments in poultry nutrition, particularly in the context of using DDGS as a feed ingredient.
For the energy sector, this research is particularly relevant. DDGS is a byproduct of corn ethanol production, and its use in animal feed can significantly reduce waste and improve the sustainability of the ethanol industry. As Goo’s study suggests, optimizing the use of DDGS in poultry diets could have substantial commercial impacts, enhancing the economic viability of both the poultry and energy sectors.
As we look to the future, this research opens up new avenues for exploration. Understanding the complex interplay between diet, gut health, and growth performance is crucial for developing more efficient and sustainable poultry production systems. With further studies, we may uncover even more strategies to optimize the use of DDGS and other alternative feed ingredients, ultimately benefiting both the poultry and energy industries.