Growth performance,carcass characteristics,meat quality and serum profile of broiler chicks fed on housefly maggot meal as a replacement of soybean meal

A study was conducted to invesstigate the housefly maggot meal (HMM) as an alternative protein source to replace the soybean meal in broiler chick's diet. A total of 720 1-day-old male broiler chicks were divided into three groups and fed diets formulated with HMM to replace soybean meal at the rate of 0%, 4% and 8%. The study lasted for 42 days in two phases. Results showed that HMM addition did not markedly affect body weight, average daily body weight gain and average daily feed intake of the broiler chicks. Feed conversion ratio increased linearly (1–21 days) in starter or quadratically (22–42 days) in the grower phase. HMM non-significantly increased the feed intake and body weight during the grower phase. Slight changes were observed for decrease of blood biochemical indices in the platelets (day 21), and alkaline phosphatase and lysozyme (day 42), and increase for red blood cells, packed cell volume, total protein and uric acid on day 42; however, the fluctuations were within the physiological range. Non-significant effects were observed for carcass composition and meat quality, except that HMM numerically reduced the shear force of breast muscle (linear, p = .058). These results are the strong evidence that HMM can be used as an alternative protein source at 8% in broiler chick's diet without any adverse effect on chick's performance.     

Evaluating the nutritive profile of three insect meals and their effects to replace soya bean in broiler diet

This study was conducted to evaluate the comparative effect of maggot meal, silkworm meal and mealworm as dietary protein source on the production performance and some aspects of meat quality in broilers. In this regard, maggot meal was reared on chicken offal and poultry waste. Silkworm meal was obtained from silk industry, while mealworm was developed through beetles rearing. A total of 120‐day‐old broiler chicks were randomly divided into four groups where soya bean meal (M0) was replaced with maggot meal (M1), silkworm meal (M2) and mealworm (M3) respectively. Each group was further divided into three replicates. The study was carried out for a period of 5 weeks. Diets containing mealworm significantly reduced overall feed consumption and resulted into higher weight gain (p < .05). Lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) was recorded for birds fed with mealworm diet (p < .05). Tenderness and juiciness of meat were higher (p < .05) in M3 compared to the control and other treatments. Mortality did not vary between the control and the treated groups. Therefore, it is concluded that insect meal is rich in essential nutrients and could be successfully used in broiler ration without compromising acceptability. In the light of this study, mealworm is the best choice in broiler ration, in comparison with maggot and silkworm.     

Effect of particle size and partial replacement of alfalfa hay by soya bean hulls on nutrient intake,total tract digestibility and rumen degradability of diets by Holstein steers

This study examined the effect of alfalfa hay (AH) particle size and the replacement of soya bean hull (SH) for AH within the diet of restricted fed Holstein steers on dry matter intake (DMI), total tract digestion, ruminal digestion, ruminal pH and ammonia nitrogen content, and faecal pH. Four rumen‐cannulated Holstein steers averaging 353 ± 9.6 kg of BW were assigned to a 4 × 4 Latin square experiment with four periods and a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Factor A was AH particle size (fine vs. coarse) and factor B was diet SH content (0% vs. 10%; substituted for AH). Steers were fed at 1% of body weight of TMR containing 400 g/kg forage and 600 g/kg concentrate. Chopping of AH to fine particles decreased (p = 0.01) amount of dietary materials retained on the medium sieve (8 mm). The inclusion of SH significantly increased (p = 0.01) materials retained on the 1.18‐mm sieve and tended to decrease (p = 0.07) materials on 19‐mm sieves. The inclusion of SH increased (p = 0.01) ether extract (EE) intake and increased (p = 0.07) DMI. Inclusion of SH increased (p = 0.01) EE digestion and decreased (p < 0.01) faecal pH. Neither AH particle size nor SH inclusion in diets affected (p > 0.10) the in situ ruminal degradability coefficients of DM (‘a’, ‘b’, ‘c’ or ‘a+b’). No interaction of AH×SH was seen on nutrient intake, digestibility and in situ ruminal degradability of Holstein steers.     

亚麻籽对肉鸡生长、屠宰性能及肉品质的影响

文章旨在研究日粮添加不同水平亚麻籽对肉鸡生长、屠宰性能及肉品质的影响。试验选择1日龄AA肉鸡512只,随机分为4组,每组4个重复,每个重复32只鸡。试验以玉米-豆粕为基础日粮,各组日粮分别在基础日粮中添加0、5%、10%和15%亚麻籽,试验分为两个阶段,共进行42 d。15%亚麻籽组比对照组日增重显著降低10.27%(P <0.05),同时试验后3周体重显著降低7.28%(P <0.05)。随着日粮亚麻籽添加水平的升高,整个试验期肉鸡日增重显著降低(P <0.05)。对照组和5%亚麻籽组较10%和15%亚麻籽组显著降低了0~3周肉鸡料肉比(P <0.05),而对照组较5%和15%亚麻籽组显著降低了4~6周肉鸡料肉比(P <0.05),同时对照组较所有亚麻籽组显著降低了试验全期料肉比(P <0.05)。5%和15%亚麻籽组较对照组显著降低了肉鸡蛋白质和能量利用效率(P <0.05)。与其他各组相比,15%亚麻籽组显著降低了肉鸡胴体重(P <0.05);15%亚麻籽组较对照组和10%亚麻籽组显著降低了胸肌相对重量(P <0.05),而对照组较5%和15%亚麻籽组显著降低了腿肌相对重量(P <0.05)。随着日粮亚麻籽添加水平的升高,胸肌和腿肌亚麻酸含量显著升高(P <0.05),但对照组与5%亚麻籽组对腿肌亚麻酸含量无显著影响(P> 0.05),10%和15%亚麻籽组较对照组显著提高了胸肌和腿肌亚油酸含量(P <0.05)。在本试验条件下,日粮添加15%亚麻籽使肉鸡日增重降低8.2%,但日粮添加亚麻籽可以提高胸肌和腿肌亚油酸和亚麻酸含量,因此,日粮中适宜的亚麻籽添加水平为10%。     

Physiological and health‐related response of broiler chickens fed diets containing raw,full‐fat soya bean meal supplemented with microbial protease

A 2 × 3 factorial study (protease: 0 or 1,5000 PROT/kg and raw full‐fat soya bean meal [RSBM] replacing the commercial SBM at 0, 45 and 75 g/kg of diet) was conducted to examine the performance of broilers. Phytase (2000 FYT/kg) was uniformly added to each diet, each also replicated six times, with eight birds per replicate. Birds were raised in climate‐controlled rooms using sawdust as the bedding material and offered starter, grower and finisher diets. Feed intake (FI) and body weight gain (BWG) were reduced (p < .05) due to increasing levels of RSBM, but feed conversion ratio (FCR; 0–35 days) was unaffected. Over the first 24 days, neither RSBM nor protease supplementation affected (p > .05) mortality, footpad dermatitis or intestinal lesions in birds. At day 24, the weight, length, width and strength of tibia bone were reduced in chickens that received an elevated level of RSBM (75 g/kg of diet), but this was not significant at day 35. At day 24 (p < .05) and 35 (p < .01), Ca concentration in the litter was reduced when the RSBM level was increased in the diet, but P content was not affected. On days 24 (p < .05) and 35 (p < .01), the N content in litter was also increased with increase in dietary RSBM. Protease supplementation increased (p < .05) the uric acid concentration in the litter (at day 35), but the reverse was the case for ammonia concentration. Overall, the results of this study indicate that there are no major health‐related risks, associated with the replacement of commercial SBM with RSBM (≤25%) in broiler diets.     

Skeletal response to diet with soya bean seeds used as primary source of protein in growing broiler chickens

The study was conducted using 120 commercial broiler chicks (Ross 308) randomly allocated to two experimental groups. The experimental diets, differing only in protein source, either solvent‐extracted soya bean meal (SBM) or traditional (non‐genetically modified) full‐fat soya bean seeds (FFS), were prepared using practical corn‐based formulation designed to meet nutritional requirements of broilers. Performance parameters were monitored weekly. Also, the subjects were evaluated daily for overt changes in skeletal anatomy and gait physiology. Randomly selected chickens from each group (seven males and seven females) were euthanized at 2, 3, 4 and 6 weeks of age, and bone specimens were collected for further study. Bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) were determined in tibiotarsal bones. Broilers fed FFS diet showed retarded growth rate and decreased feed intake (both p < 0.001). Both BMD and BMC parameters were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in bones of chickens from the FFS group in comparison with the SBM group. The chickens fed the FFS diet showed higher incidence of skeletal pathology including angular deformities and torticollis (both p < 0.01). Of note, cases of torticollis were observed only in FFS group. In many cases, skeletal abnormalities resulted in considerable changes in gait pattern, and in some instances, the pathology of leg bones was so advanced that the affected individuals were unable to walk, but this deformity was not seen in SBM group. From this study, it can be inferred that raw soya beans contain factors that have some specific detrimental effects on skeletal system of chickens.     

In vitro effects of inulin and soya bean oligosaccharide on skatole production and the intestinal microbiota in broilers

The experiment was conducted to investigate the in vitro effects of inulin and soya bean oligosaccharide (SBO) on the metabolism of L‐tryptophan (L‐try) to skatole production, and the intestinal microbiota in broilers. Treatments were as follows: caecal microbiota control (Cc), Cc + inulin, Cc + SBO, rectal microbiota control (Rc), Rc + inulin and Rc + SBO. Microbial suspensions were anaerobically incubated at 38°C for 24 hr. The results showed that concentrations of skatole and acetic acid were significantly lower in caecal microbiota fermentation broth (MFB) than those in rectal MFB (p < .05). Addition of inulin or SBO significantly decreased the concentrations of indole and skatole and rate of L‐try degradation (p < .05). Inulin groups had lower indole than SBO groups (p < .05). PCR‐DGGE analysis revealed that addition of inulin or SBO decreased the microbiota richness (p < .05), but no significant differences in Shannon index (p > .05). Four distinct bands were detected in inulin and SBO groups, which were related to two of Bacteroides, one of Firmicutes and Bifidobacteria. Six bands were detected only in control groups, which represented uncultured Rikenellaceae, Roseburia, Escherichia/Shigella dysenteriae, Bacteroides uniformis (T), Parabacteroides distasonis and Enterobacter aerogenes. Populations of Lactobacilli, Bifidobacteria and total bacteria in inulin groups were higher than those in control groups (p < .05). For SBO groups, only population of total bacteria increased (p < .05). However, there were no significant differences in Escherichia coli population among treatments (p > .05). These results suggest that reduced concentrations of skatole and indole in the presence of inulin and SBO may be caused by decrease in L‐try degradation rate, which were caused by change in microbial ecosystem and pH value. Uncultured B. uniformis (T) and E. aerogenes may be responsible for degradation of L‐try to skatole.     

A study on feeding hazelnut kernel oil meal as a protein source for broiler chickens

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of substituting different levels of hazelnut kernel oil meal (HKM) for soybean meal (SBM) in diets for broiler. A total of 450 one-day-old female Ross 308 broiler chicks were allocated randomly to three treatment groups of 150 birds each in a randomized design. Each treatment group consisted of five replicates each of 30 chicks. All diets (in mash form) were formulated to meet nutrient concentrations recommended for broilers. The experiment lasted for six weeks. In the experiment, an SBM control (SBM) diet was compared to two HKM diets, replacing 50 (50HKM) and 100% (HKM) of SBM protein, respectively. Body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio of broilers were adversely affected ( P  < 0.05) by the HKM diets at 42 days of age. Broilers fed 50HKM and HKM had growth performances similar ( P  > 0.05). The carcass yield and abdominal fat pads of birds fed diets with SBM were higher ( P  < 0.05) than those of chicks fed the 50HKM and HKM diets. The edible inner organ weight of chicks fed diets with HKM was the heaviest ( P  < 0.05). It is concluded that SBM cannot be replaced even up to 50% with HKM in commercial broiler diet.     

Evaluating the suitability of field beans as a substitute for soybean meal in early-lactating dairy cow: Production and metabolic responses

Twenty-four multiparous Holstein cows were utilized in a completely randomized design to examine the effect of feeding field beans (FB, Vicia faba L. var. minor) as substitute for soybean meal (SBM) on lactation performance and metabolic response during the early lactation period. Cows were individually divided into two equal groups and fed for 16 weeks on one each of the two experimental diets. The controls were fed pelleted concentrate contained 150 g/kg dry matter (DM) of SBM as the main protein source, whereas the experimental concentrate contained 345 g/kg DM of FB. Oat hay was offered ad libitum to cows and water was freely available. Blood samples were assayed for their content of: urea, glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, calcium and phosphorus, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA). Inclusion of FB had no detectable effects on DM intake (DMI), body weight (BW), or body condition score (BCS). Neither milk yield nor quality were influenced by dietary treatment, except for milk urea nitrogen (MU) that was reduced in cows fed the FB diet (P < 0.05). Clotting properties of milk were not affected adversely by added dietary FB. Concentration of blood urea (BU) was lower in cows fed the FB diet than in those fed the control SBM diet (P < 0.05). These findings indicate that feeding FB in a lactation diet supported lactation performance similar to cows fed traditional SBM-based diet, and the results may elicit great interest for countries where soybean utilization is adversely influenced by high supply costs.     

Effects of inclusion of graded amounts of soya bean hulls on feed intake,chewing activity and nutrient digestibility in dairy cows

Twelve multiparous Holstein dairy cows were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square changeover design to evaluate the effects of graded inclusion of soya bean hulls (SHs) in replacement of diet forages at 0%, 10%, 20% and 30% of dietary dry matter (DM) basis on peNDF > 8 and peNDF > 1.18 contents of diets and their resulting effects on chewing activity, nutrient digestibility and milk production of dairy cattle. The control diet contained 50% forage, 50% concentrate and no SH. In the other three diets, SH was substituted for alfalfa hay, corn silage and wheat bran to supply 10%, 20% and 30% of the dietary DM. Increasing SH concentration in the diets resulted in decreasing concentrations of forage neutral detergent fibre (NDF), physically effective NDF (peNDF) and mean particle size (p < 0.01). Chewing activity per kilogram of daily dry matter intake (DMI) was not affected by the different diets tested. However, chewing activity significantly decreased for kilogram intake of NDF, but increased for peNDF > 1.18 when SH was included in the diets (p < 0.01). Total tract apparent digestibility of nutrients significantly increased for DM, organic matter (p < 0.05) and NDF (p < 0.01) but decreased for crude protein (p < 0.05) as the proportion of SH was increased in the diets. Rumen pH value of cattle was not influenced by the diets. Including medium and high amounts of SH in the diets decreased DMI of the animals (p < 0.05) without any significant effect on their daily milk or 4% fat‐corrected milk production. In conclusion, the results of this study showed that the NDF from a non‐forage fibre source like SH had a lower potential for stimulating chewing activity than did forage NDF. Despite this, the small size of dietary particles increased not only the chewing activity per kilogram of peNDF intake but also saliva secretion as well as the potential for rumen to neutralize acids. The findings of this study demonstrate the greater differences in peNDF > 8 among the diets and that these differences are better reflected in terms of DMI, chewing activity and nutrient digestibility, but not in rumen pH.     

Effects of catfish meal blend inclusion in broiler feeds on live performance and carcass yield attributes

This study was designed to investigate whether a catfish meal blend, formulated into broiler feed as a protein supplement, would influence broiler growth and meat yield when included in the diet at industry-acceptable levels. A catfish meal blend was fed at an inclusion rate of 7.5% of the diet to broilers raised to 42 d on a 3-feed program. This treatment was compared with broilers raised on a corn-soybean meal control diet (no animal protein products) and a diet with 7.5% poultry by-product meal. Each animal protein product was formulated into the diets based on a nutritional matrix and was not substituted for another ingredient. The broilers were raised with 50 birds per pen (10 replicate pens per treatment). Five males and 5 females per pen were processed and deboned at 42 d to compare carcass and meat yields. Body weights at 21 d were highest for birds fed the catfish meal blend, with the corn-soybean meal control treatment being the lowest and the poultry by-product meal treatment being intermediate. No significant differences were recorded after 21 d, and no differences were seen in period gains from 21 to 35 or 35 to 42 d. Feed conversion at 21 d favored birds in those treatments fed animal protein products; however, no significant differences were seen at 35 or 42 d. No significant differences were noted in mortality during any of the production periods. Chilled carcass, fillet, and tender yields were not significantly affected by feeding either of the animal protein products. In conclusion, the catfish meal blend included in broiler feeds at an industry-acceptable level (7.5%) showed no adverse effects on broilers grown to 42 d. No health effects were recorded and live performance parameters were not reduced in comparison with the other treatments.     

Standardized ileal digestibility of proteins and amino acids in sesame expeller and soya bean meal in weaning piglets

Apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of diets containing sesame expeller (SE) and soya bean meal (SBM) was determined using 15 piglets (Genetiporc^®), weaned at 17 ± 0.4 days with average body weight of 6.4 ± 0.7 kg (Fertilis 20 × G Performance, Genetiporc^®, PIC México, Querétaro, México). Piglets were randomly assigned to three treatments: (i) a reference diet with casein as the sole protein source; (ii) a mixed diet of casein–SE; and (iii) a mixed diet of casein–SBM. The chemical composition of SE and SBM was determined, and AID and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of crude protein (CP) and amino acids (AAs) were determined for each protein source. SE contained greater quantities of ether extract, neutral detergent fibre, phytic acid, methionine and arginine than SBM. Lysine and proline contents and trypsin inhibitor activity were higher in SBM than in SE. The AID and SID of CP and AA (except for lysine and proline) were similar in SE and SBM. The AID of lysine and proline was higher in SBM than in SE (p < 0.05), and the SID of proline was higher in SE than in SBM (p < 0.05). These findings indicate that SE is an appropriate alternative protein source for early weaned pigs.     

Effect of housefly maggot meal (magmeal) diets on the performance, concentration of plasma glucose, cortisol and blood characteristics of Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings

A 56-day feeding trial was conducted to access the effect of housefly maggot meal (magmeal) diets on the performance, concentration of plasma glucose, cortisol and blood characteristics of Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings. Seven feeds formulated to contain 36% protein and 20 kJ g⁻¹ gross energy (dry matter basis), were prepared by replacing fish meal with magmeal. Fifteen fingerlings (initial average weight 2.0 ± 0.1 g) stocked per experimental tank were fed in triplicates at 5% body weight in two portions per day (a level previously established). Growth and food conversion ratio were adequate and comparable without any significant differences (p < 0.5) between feeding groups. Mean values for haematocrit and plasma glucose were not significantly different (p < 0.05) among the feeding groups. Fish group fed control diet (containing highest inclusion level of fish meal and without magmeal) gave the lowest haemoglobin concentration (5.96 ± 0.22 g dl⁻¹). This value was significantly different from other feeding groups. Stressful conditions in fish and in mammals are associated with decreased growth, haematocrit (packed cell volume) and haemoglobin values, increased whole blood glucose (hyperglycaemia) and plasma cortisol concentrations. No such physiological changes were observed in this study. Results suggest that feeding O. niloticus fingerling with magmeal diets did not cause any form of physiological stress. Magmeal can be used as a good alternative protein source in tilapia diets.     

不同处理方式豆角茎粉对罗非鱼生长性能、体成分及血液生化指标的影响

文章旨在评估通过浸泡和高压处理豆角茎粉对罗非鱼生长性能、体成分及血液生化指标的影响.试验将体重一致的864条罗非鱼随机分为4组,每组6个重复,每个重复36条.对照组罗非鱼饲喂不含豆角茎粉的日粮,T1～T3组分别饲喂25％未处理的豆角茎粉、25％浸泡豆角茎粉和25％高压处理豆角茎粉日粮.结果:对照组罗非鱼的末重、相对增重...     

Effects of enzymatic treatment and shell content of palm kernel expeller meal on performance,nutrient digestibility,and ileal bacterial population in broiler chickens

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of enzymatic treatment and shell content of palm kernel expeller meal (PKE) on the performance, nutrient digestibility, and ileal bacteria population in broiler chickens. Part of the PKE sample was sieved (3 mm) to remove the shell (lower shell PKE) and part was used as is. The primary mannan-oligosaccharides in the experimental diets were determined using HPLC analysis. During the finisher phase, one hundred male broiler chickens (Cobb-500) were fed a control diet or the diets containing 200 g/kg of normal PKE (70 g/kg shell), low shell PKE (30 g/kg shell), enzymatically (cellulase and mannanase) treated PKE, or low shell, enzymatically treated PKE. The DM, CP, and ether extract digestibility coefficients were measured using acid insoluble ash as an insoluble marker. The quantitative rea-time PCR was used to determine the ileal bacteria populations. The enzymatic treatment significantly increased the mannose and also mannan-oligosaccharides content of PKE. Feed intake was not affected by dietary inclusion of PKE. In the birds fed the low shell PKE diet the average daily weight gain was lower and the feed conversion ratio was higher than those in the control and other PKE fed groups. The digestibility coefficients of dry matter and ash were lower in PKE containing diets than the control diet. However, there were no differences in the crude protein and ether extracts digestibility coefficients between the diets containing the enzymatic treated PKE (normal or low shell) and the control diet. The lowest ileal Lactobacilli population was found in the chickens fed the low shell PKE diet. Dietary normal PKE or low shell-enzymatic treated PKE decreased the Escherichia coli population compared to the control diet. The results suggested that PKE could be included up to 200 g/kg in the finisher diet without any apparent adverse effect on performance in broilers; however, any screening practice to reduce the shell content of PKE without enzymatic degradation of β-mannan, decreased its nutritive value.     

Effect of micronized pea seeds (Pisum sativum L.) as a substitute of soybean meal on tissue fatty acid composition and quality of broiler chicken meat

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of micronized pea seeds introduced into feed mixes for broilers on the slaughter yield, blood lipid parameters, content of fatty acids in selected tissues, and meat quality. The studies involved 150 1‐day‐old Ross 308 chicks split into three groups (for 42 days). The feed rations differed in terms of the source of proteins: in the control group (C), it was post‐extraction soybean meal (SBM) 100%; in group I, SBM 50% and micronized peas 50%; and in group II, micronized peas only, 100%. Irradiated pea seeds added to the feed ration for chicks reduced the fattening grade of carcasses (P < 0.05). Additionally, significant improvement of blood lipid indices was recorded. The share of the irradiated pea seeds in feed mixes decreased the share of saturated fatty acids in the muscles and abdominal fat and had a positive effect on the n‐6/n‐3 ratio, hypocholesterolemic / hypercholesterolemic ratio, as well as the atherogenic and thrombogenic indices (P < 0.05).     

新型蝇蛆蛋白饲料替代鱼粉对泥鳅生长性能和非特异性免疫力的影响

在基础饲料中以新型蝇蛆蛋白饲料替代基础饲料中20％、40％、60％、80％、100％的鱼粉,制成6种等氮等能的饲料(分别记为Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ、Ⅴ组,Ⅵ为对照组),饲养泥鳅50 d,通过比较各饲料组泥鳅的生长性能和抗氧化指标,研究新型蝇蛆蛋白饲料替代鱼粉对泥鳅生长性能和非特异性免疫力的影响.试验结果表明,随着饲料中新型蝇蛆...     

Effects of enzymatic hydrolysate of locust bean gum on digestibility,intestinal morphology and microflora of broilers

To investigate the effects of different levels of enzymatic hydrolysate of dietary locust bean gum on nutrient digestibility, intestinal morphology and microflora of broilers, a total of 768 one-day-old Arbor Acres (AA) broiler chicks were randomly divided into 6 treatments with 8 replicates per treatment and 16 birds per replicate. The treatments were as follows: (1) CON, basal diet; (2) ANT, basal diet +62.5 mg/kg flavomycin; (3) LBG, basal diet +0.1% locust bean gum; (4) ELBG-0.1, basal diet +0.1% enzymatic hydrolysate of LBG; (5) ELBG-0.2, basal diet +0.2% enzymatic hydrolysate of LBG; and (6) ELBG-0.3, basal diet +0.3% enzymatic hydrolysate of LBG. The digestibilities of ether extract, crude protein and dry matter were increased (p < .01) in broilers fed the ELBG-0.3 diet compared with the CON and LBG diets on day 21. Duodenal villus height and the ratio of the villus height to crypt depth were greater (p < .01) in broilers fed the ELBG-0.3 diet than the CON, ANT and LBG diets. Jejunum villus height was higher (p < .05) in broilers fed the ELBG-0.2 and ELBG-0.3 diets than the CON diet. The number of caecal Escherichia coli was reduced (p = .01) in broilers fed the ELBG-0.2 and ELBG-0.3 diets compared with the CON diet. The number of caecal Lactobacilli was greater (p < .05) in broilers fed the ELBG-0.3 diet than the CON and ANT diets. In summary, the addition of 0.3% locust bean enzymatic hydrolysate can increase the surface area of intestinal villi and the number of beneficial bacteria, inhibit the proliferation of harmful bacteria, maintain the balance of intestinal microflora and improve the digestibility of nutrients.