Effects of dietary sorghum dried distiller's grains with solubles on growth performance,diet nutrient digestibility,carcass characteristics and immunity in growing rabbits

Sorghum dried distiller's grains with solubles (S‐DDGS) are distillation extract residues from the ethanol fuel industry. In this experiment, two hundred 42‐day‐old rabbits were randomly allocated to five experimental diets containing 0 g/kg (control), 75, 150, 225 and 300 g/kg S‐DDGS. The experiment lasted for 4 weeks. No difference was found in the average daily feed intake (ADFI; p > 0.05). With increasing sorghum inclusion, the average daily gain (ADG) was linearly (p < 0.001) and quadratically (p = 0.039) reduced, while, conversely, the feed conversion ratio (FCR) linearly (p < 0.001) increased. Increasing the amount of S‐DDGS in the diet linearly decreased (p < 0.001) the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP) and ash. Carcass weight, carcass yield, heart and liver weights were linearly decreased by an increase in the amount of S‐DDGS added to diets (p < 0.001), but no difference was observed between the 0, 75 and 150 g/kg S‐DDGS groups (p > 0.05). Serum IL‐6, IL‐10 and SIgA linearly increased (p = 0.008) with increasing levels of S‐DDGS in the diet. Rabbits fed 0, 75 and 150 g/kg of S‐DDGS had similar IL‐6 and IL‐10 levels. Statistically significant differences in SIgA were observed between rabbits fed control diets and feed mixtures containing S‐DDGS (p < 0.01). To conclude, S‐DDGS can safely be added up to 75 g/kg, to the diet of rabbits. Increasing dietary S‐DDGS inclusion may decrease the growth performance, nutrient digestibility and carcass traits, and activate immune responses.     

Effect of dietary mannan-oligosaccharides on in vivo performance, nutrient digestibility and caecal content characteristics of growing rabbits

To evaluate the effect of mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS) on in vivo performance, nutrient digestibility, fermentation characteristics and caecal microbial populations of rabbits, 144 thirty-five days old hybrid Hyla were equally divided into three groups, one of which was fed the same diet without additives (control group), one with antibiotics (colistin sulphate, 144 mg/kg; tylosin, 100 mg/kg; oxytetracyclin, 1000 mg/kg) and one with MOS (1 g/kg of diet). Mortality rate, live weight, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were recorded up to 62 days of age. At 60 days nutrient digestibility was measured by acid insoluble ash method. The caecal content of 10 rabbits per group was collected at 62 days and analysed for volatile fatty acids production, ammonia content and microbial count. Rabbits from the control group had a significantly (p < 0.01) lower body weight at 62 days (1638.9 g vs. 1779.4 g and 1862.5 g, respectively for the control, MOS and antibiotic groups) while the antibiotic group showed a higher (p < 0.05) feed intake than the control group (127.9 g/day vs. 109.3 g/day). Rabbits from the MOS group had a higher apparent digestibility of cellulose (34.27% vs. 29.61% and 27.49%, respectively for the MOS, control and antibiotic groups) and, as a consequence a higher level of acetate in the caecal content (39.93 mmol/l vs. 34.21 mmol/l and 23.09 mmol/l, respectively for the MOS, control and antibiotic groups). Caecal microflora of the MOS group rabbits also had a higher fermentative activity in respect of protein source, as demonstrated by the higher productions of branched chain fatty acids. MOS and antibiotics significantly reduced the colonies of Coliformis (2.32 vs. 3.20 vs. 2.40 logCFU/g, respectively for the MOS, control and antibiotic groups, p < 0.01). Mannan-oligosaccharides at 1 g/kg of diet can be used as an alternative to antibiotics during the rabbit's growth period.     

Effect ofBacillus amyloliquefaciens-based direct-fed microbials and antibiotic on performance,nutrient digestibility,cecal microflora,and intestinal morphology in broiler chickens

Two hundred eighty-eight 1-d-old male Arbor Acres broilers were randomly allocated to 4 treatments to examine the effect of usingBacillus amyloliquefaciens-based direct-fed microbials (DFM) to replace antibiotics in the late growth stage on performance, nutrient digestibility, cecal microflora, and intestinal morphology in broilers. The experimental diets were (1) a negative control (NC) group fed a basal diet without any antibiotics; (2) a positive control (PC) group fed the basal diet with 200 mg/kg of zinc bacitracin; (3) a test group fed the basal diet with 200 mg/kg of zinc bacitracin from d 1 to 21 and 30 mg/kg of DFM from d 22 to 42 (DFM30); and (4) a test group fed the basal diet with 200 mg/kg of zinc bacitracin from d 1 to 21 and 60 mg/kg of DFM from d 22 to 42 (DFM60). The results showed that DFM30 and DFM60 increased BW gain and improved FCR as compared with NC group (P < 0.05). Generally, the PC, DFM30, and DFM60 groups showed increased apparent total tract nutrient digestibility for DM, CP, and AME as compared with the NC group. Both the DFM30 and DFM60 groups decreased cecalEscherichia coli population as compared with the NC group, and increased the population ofLactobacillus as compared with the PC group. The PC, DFM30, and DFM60 groups increased villus height and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth compared with NC. In conclusion, dietary supplementation withB. amyloliquefaciens-based DFM during d 22 to 42 may enhance performance by increasing nutrient digestibility and improving intestinal health in birds fed diets supplemented with zinc bacitracin from d 1 to 21.     

岩藻多糖对肉兔生长性能、血清生化指标及养分表观消化率的影响

本试验旨在研究日粮中添加不同水平岩藻多糖对肉兔生长性能、屠宰性能、内脏器官指数、血清生化指标和养分表观消化率的影响,为岩藻多糖作为抗生素替代物在肉兔日粮中的应用提供理论依据。从200只35日龄健康断奶福建黄兔中选取36只体重相近的试验兔,采用单因素试验设计,随机分为4组,每组3个重复,每个重复3只。对照组饲喂基础日粮,试验Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ组分别饲喂添加100、200和300 mg·kg^-1岩藻多糖的日粮,预试期5 d,正试期22 d。结果表明：1）试验Ⅲ组末重、平均日采食量（ADFI）、平均日增重（ADG）显著高于对照组（P<0.05）,料重比（F/G）显著低于对照组（P<0.05）。2）试验Ⅲ组宰前活重显著高于对照组（P<0.05）。其他各项指标均无显著差异（P>0.05）。3）各试验组胸腺指数均显著高于对照组（P<0.05）。各组间脾脏指数和圆小囊指数均无显著差异（P>0.05）。试验Ⅱ和Ⅲ组蚓突指数显著高于对照组（P<0.05）。其他各项指标均无显著差异（P>0.05）。4）试验Ⅲ组丙氨酸氨基转移酶（ALT）含量显著低于其他组（P<0.05）。试验Ⅰ和Ⅱ组低密度脂蛋白胆固醇（LDL）、胆固醇（CHO）含量显著低于对照组（P<0.05）。试验Ⅲ组超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）活性显著高于对照组（P<0.05）。各试验组丙二醛（MDA）含量均显著低于对照组（P<0.05）,谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶（GSH-Px）活性均显著高于对照组（P<0.05）,其中试验Ⅲ组显著高于Ⅰ组（P<0.05）。其他各项指标均无显著差异（P>0.05）。5）各试验组干物质（DM）、中性洗涤纤维（NDF）、粗灰分（Ash）表观消化率均显著高于对照组（P<0.05）。试验Ⅲ组酸性洗涤纤维（ADF）表观消化率显著高于对照组（P<0.05）。各组粗蛋白（CP）表观消化率均无显著差异（P>0.05）。综上所述,日粮中添加岩藻多糖可显著提高肉兔ADFI和ADG,显著降低F/G,提高内脏器官指数和抗氧化能力,同时显著提高日粮中DM、ADF、NDF和Ash表观消化率,在本试验条件下,添加水平为300 mg·kg^-1时,效果最佳。     

Effect of the gut microflora on chick growth and utilisation of protein and energy at different concentrations of dietary protein

The effect of the gut flora on chick growth and protein and energy utilisation at a marginal dietary energy level (calculated metabolisable energy value 11.7 MJ/kg) was determined with diets containing 227 or 293 g protein/kg. Germ-free (GF) and conventional (CV) chicks were reared for 10 d on the diets, and excreta were collected during the last 4 d. The chicks were killed and carcases and droppings were analysed for N and fat. The GF chicks grew significantly faster than the CV controls on both diets. The growth of CV chicks given the high protein diet was similar to that of GF chicks given the adequate protein diet. Protein and energy utilisation were significantly less for CV than for GF chicks on both diets. It was concluded that the energy requirement of CV chicks was greater than that of their GF counterparts, and that their poorer growth was due to utilisation of some dietary protein as an energy source.     

水产下脚料对肉鸡生长性能、胴体性状及肠道健康的影响

文章旨在评估日粮添加不同水平的水产下脚料对肉鸡生长性能、胴体性状及肠道健康的影响.试验将504只体重一致的1日龄肉鸡随机分为3组,每组6个重复,每个重复28只.对照组饲喂基础日粮,处理组饲喂水产下脚料添加水平为8％和16％的日粮,对照组与处理组日粮的营养水平保持一致,试验为期6周.结果:T1和T2组42?d肉鸡体重、2...     

Effect of dietary inclusion of Spirulina on production performance,nutrient digestibility and meat quality traits in post-weaning piglets

The effect of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis), individually or in combination with two commercial carbohydrases, in piglet diets was assessed on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and meat quality traits. Forty post-weaned male piglets from Large White × Landrace sows crossed with Pietrain boars with an initial live weight of 12.0 ± 0.89 kg were used. Piglets were assigned to one of four dietary treatments (n = 10): cereal and soya bean meal base diet (control), base diet with 10% Spirulina (SP), SP diet supplemented with 0.005% Rovabio^® Excel AP (SP + R) and SP diet supplemented with 0.01% lysozyme (SP + L). Animals were slaughtered after a 4-week experimental period. Growth performance was negatively affected by the incorporation of Spirulina in the diets, with an average decrease of 9.1% on final weight, in comparison with control animals. Total tract apparent digestibility (TTAD) of crude protein was higher (p < .05) in the control group than in other groups. In addition, lysozyme increased TTAD of crude fat and acid detergent fibre, relative to the SP and control groups, respectively. In addition, the incorporation of Spirulina, individually and supplemented with enzymes, did not impair meat quality traits. Surprisingly, no protective effect against lipid oxidation was observed with the inclusion of Spirulina in pork after 7 days of storage. This study indicates that growth performance of post-weaning piglets was impaired by the incorporation of 10% Spirulina in the diets, which is mediated by an increase in digesta viscosity and a lower protein digestibility, as a consequence of the resistance of microalga proteins to the action of endogenous peptidases. In addition, it also indicates that lysozyme, in contrast to Rovabio^® Excel AP, is efficient in the degradation of Spirulina cell wall in piglet's intestine. However, the digestion of proteins liberated by Spirulina cell wall disruption is still a challenge.     

日粮中添加发酵饲料对育肥猪养分消化率及肠道菌群的影响

为研究日粮中添加不同水平的发酵饲料对育肥猪养分消化率及肠道菌群的影响,试验选用560头杜×长×大三元育肥猪[(75.37±2.65)kg],根据体重、性别随机分为7组,每组5个重复,每个重复16头,对照组饲喂育肥猪日粮,试验组分别在育肥猪日粮中添加5%或10%的发酵饲料A、B、C,饲喂21 d后每组选5头育肥猪肛门采集新鲜粪便测定肠道菌群多样性;并在饲喂第29天和第30天,各组每个重复连续收集粪便混合后测定养分消化率。结果表明:日粮中添加发酵饲料对育肥猪粗蛋白质、能量和干物质的消化率没有显著影响(P>0.05),相比对照组,饲喂发酵饲料组的粗蛋白质消化率有所提高(最高组提高2.9%);同时肠道菌群中乳杆菌属丰度有所增加,表明在日粮中添加一定比例的发酵饲料可以改善育肥猪养分消化率和肠道健康。     

Effects of dietary supplemental phytoncide instead of zinc oxide on growth performance,nutrient digestibility,blood profiles,and faecal microflora in growing pigs

This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of phytoncide (PTC) instead of zinc oxide on growth performance, blood profile, nutrient digestibility and faecal microflora in growing pigs. A total of 120 growing pigs [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc] with initial body weight 24.48 ± 1.62 kg were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments for a 6 weeks feeding trials, the treatments as follow: CON (base diet),ZO (CON + 0.03% Zinc Oxide), PTC1 (CON + 0.5% PTC), PTC2 (CON + 1.0% PTC). Compared to basal diet, during weeks 1–3, 3–6, and overall experimental period, the ADG of growing pigs fed phytoncide diet trend to be increased, and fed ZO diet was significantly increased (p < 0.05). During weeks 3–6 and overall experiment period, pigs fed the ZO diet showed improvement in feed intake compared to pigs fed basal diet as a trend. Compared with basal diet, the pigs receiving phytoncide diet significantly increased the digestibility of DM and reduced the concentration of aspartate transaminase in pigs receiving 1.0% phytoncide diet. These results suggested that dietary supplement of phytoncide, Korean pine extract, could be used as an alternative to zinc oxide by decreasing detoxify to soil and plants without influencing the performance of growing pigs. Further study is needed to determine the systemic estimation of the dose of phytoncide.     

不同复合蛋白酶对肉鸡生长性能和营养物质利用率的影响

为研究添加不同复合蛋白酶制剂对肉鸡生长性能、屠宰性能和营养物质利用率的影响,试验选取2592只1日龄罗斯308商品肉仔鸡公雏,随机分为6个处理组,每个处理组12个重复,每个重复36只,饲养密度12只/m^2。处理1组为对照组,不使用酶制剂,日粮蛋白水平相对于营养标准降低了1.5%,处理2~6组在处理1组的基础上添加5种酶制剂,试验期38 d。结果表明:肉鸡13~24日龄,添加不同蛋白酶均在不同程度上有改善肉鸡料重比的趋势(P<0.10),其中T2组效果较佳,料重比改善0.017;其余阶段及全期,不同处理的肉鸡生长性能无显著差异(P>0.05);各处理组之间肉鸡全净膛率、胸肌率、腿肌率、翅重率、腹脂率、肌胃率、腺胃率差异不显著(P>0.05);在低蛋白日粮的基础上添加蛋白酶均可提高肉鸡日粮表观代谢能(AME)、氮校正表观代谢能(AMEn)、能量利用率以及粗蛋白质表观消化率,其中AME分别提高19、33、8、61、51 kcal/kg,能量利用率分别提高1.2%、1.3%、0.5%、2.2%、1.8%,但统计上差异不显著(P>0.05)。综上所述,在本次试验条件下,添加不同外源蛋白酶对肉鸡生长性能和屠宰性能无显著影响,但可在一定程度上提高营养物质利用率,从而降低肉鸡粪便氮排泄量。     

Effects of dietary mannanoligosaccharide on growth performance,nutrient digestibility and gut development of broilers given different cereal-based diets

A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of mannanoligosaccharide (MOS) on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility and gut development of broilers given a corn or a wheat-based diet over a 21-day experimental period. Dietary MOS improved the growth performance of birds given the wheat-based diet compared to that of birds given the corn-based diet during 7–21 days of age. In line with this, the ileal digestibility of starch was increased by MOS at 21 days of age. The addition of MOS modulated the development of gut microflora. From day 7 to day 21, the numbers of mucosa-associated coliforms along the small intestine were decreased; whereas the numbers of mucosa-associated lactobacilli were increased by MOS, regardless of the cereal type in the diets. Dietary MOS also reduced the counts of coliforms and Clostridium perfringens in the caeca of birds by 21 days of age. Villus height at the jejunum was not affected by MOS but the crypt depth and the muscularis thickness were reduced. The specific activities of maltase and alkaline phosphatase were increased in birds given the MOS-supplemented diet; whereas the development of leucine aminopeptidase was delayed by MOS. All these changes in the mucosal morphology and function were dependent on the type of cereal and/or the age of the birds.     

补饲马铃薯藤对山羊生长性能、消化率和胴体特征的影响

本研究旨在探讨马铃薯藤饲喂水平对山羊生长性能、养分消化率和胴体特征的影响.试验将平均初始体重为(14.42±0.24)kg的40头山羊随机分为4组,每组5个重复,每个重复2头.T1组仅饲喂干草,T2组饲喂干草+100％马铃薯藤,T3组饲喂干草+50％马铃薯藤+50％浓缩料,T4组饲喂100％浓缩料.在为期10周的饲养试...     

Effects of Moringa oleifera leaves as a substitute for alfalfa meal on nutrient digestibility,growth performance,carcass trait,meat quality,antioxidant capacity and biochemical parameters of rabbits

This contribution reports the effects of Moringa oleifera leaves (MOLs) meal on the growth performances, nutrient digestibility, carcass trait, meat quality, antioxidant capacity and biochemical parameters of growing New Zealand white rabbits. The MOL was substituted for alfalfa meal at levels of 0, 10%, 20% and 30% to obtain respective diets MOL0, MOL10, MOL20 and MOL30. Each treatment was replicated five times with 10 rabbits per replicate. Results showed the average daily weight gain (ADWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of rabbits fed MOL20 diet were significantly better (p < 0.05) than those of other three dietary groups. Liver and spleen index of rabbits fed MOL20 and MOL30 diets was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of the groups fed with lower M. oleifera leaves (MOL0, MOL10). The meat drip loss of rabbits fed with diet MOL10 was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than that of rabbits fed other diets. All rabbits fed MOL dietary groups had lower (p < 0.05) shear force of longissimus dorsi than the group without M. oleifera leaves. No significant differences were found in the digestibility of crude fibre (CF), crude fat (EE), ash, crude protein (CP) and nitrogen‐free extract (NFE) among the dietary groups. Moringa oleifera leaves also have a significant impact on serum albumin (ALB), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC), triiodothyroxine (T₃) and tetraiodothyroxine (T₄) values and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in serum and liver. The results indicated that M. oleifera leaves could be developed as a good feed source, and it not only could substitute for alfalfa meal well but also has a significant effect on growth performance, meat quality, antioxidant and biochemical parameters of rabbits.     

羽扇豆对生长育肥肉兔生长性能、养分消化率及屠宰性能的影响

文章旨在研究日粮添加不同蛋白原料(豆粕、葵花粕或羽扇豆)对生长育肥期肉兔生长性能、养分消化率及屠宰性能的影响。试验选择37 d断奶的肉兔120只,随机分为3组,每组4个重复,每个重复10只兔。试验设计3种日粮,日粮中蛋白原料分别是豆粕(10%)、葵花粕(17%)和羽扇豆(15%),试验共进行6周。结果:葵花粕组较豆粕和羽扇豆组有降低肉兔总能、酸性洗涤纤维和淀粉表观消化率的趋势(P=0.06,P=0.08,P=0.09),同时中性洗涤纤维显著低于其他两组(P<0.05)。豆粕组较葵花粕和羽扇豆组有提高其他挥发性脂肪酸含量的趋势(P=0.08),同时豆粕组有提高盲肠及其内容物相对重量的趋势(P=0.09,P=0.06)。与豆粕组和葵花粕组相比,羽扇豆组显著提高了盲肠乳酸含量(P<0.05)。葵花粕组较其他组显著提高了肉兔各阶段平均日采食量(P<0.05)。葵花粕组较羽扇豆组显著提高了59~79 d肉兔的死亡率(P<0.05)。羽扇豆组较豆粕组和葵花粕组显著提高了肉兔的屠宰率(P<0.05)。结论:羽扇豆是生长育肥肉兔饲料中较好的蛋白原料,可以完全替代饲料中的豆粕,对肉兔生长性能、屠宰性能以及养分消化、盲肠相关指标无负面影响。     

Influence of inclusion level of barley in wheat-based diets and supplementation of carbohydrase on growth performance,nutrient utilisation and gut morphometry in broiler starters

ABSTRACT

1. The influence of barley inclusion level and supplementation of a multi-component non-starch polysaccharide degrading enzyme on performance and nutrient utilisation in broilers was investigated. Normal-starch hulled barley was evaluated with five levels of inclusion (0, 141, 283, 424 and 565 g/kg) in a wheat-based diet and two levels of enzyme supplementation (0 and 150 g/tonne of feed; a 5 × 2 factorial arrangement of 10 dietary treatments). All diets were equivalent in metabolisable energy and digestible amino acid contents. A total of 400, one-d old male broilers (five cages/treatment; eight birds/cage) were used in the experiment.

2. Regardless of enzyme supplementation, weight gain (WG) increased up to 283 g/kg of barley and was reduced afterwards (P < 0.01). Increasing levels of barley resulted in greater (P < 0.001) gain per feed (G/F). Enzyme addition increased WG (P < 0.05) and G/F (P < 0.001) at each barley inclusion level.

3. Birds fed diets with 0 and 565 g/kg barley showed the lowest and highest (P < 0.001to 0.05) digestibility for all nutrients measured, respectively. Digestibility of all nutrients was improved by enzyme supplementation at each barley inclusion level (P < 0.05). The nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolisable energy improved with increasing inclusion of barley (P < 0.001) and supplemental enzyme (P < 0.01). Increasing inclusion of barley increased the relative weight of gizzard (P < 0.001) and reduced jejunal digesta viscosity (P < 0.001). Supplemental enzyme (P < 0.001) reduced digesta viscosity.

4. The optimum inclusion level of barley, with respect to growth performance, was 283 g/kg of diet. Increasing barley inclusion improved nutrient and energy utilisation, possibly through lowered digesta viscosity and better function of the gizzard. Feed efficiency and nutrient and energy utilisation can benefit from carbohydrase supplementation in barley-based diets, regardless of barley inclusion level.     

玉米或高粱DDGS对肉牛生长性能、血液指标及屠宰性能的影响

文章旨在研究日粮添加玉米或高粱DDGS等量替代玉米对肉牛生长性能、血液指标及屠宰性能的影响。试验选择初始体重为(298±22)kg的肉牛60头,随机分为3组,每组20头,每头作为1个重复。共设计3种日粮,分别为玉米组、玉米DDGS组和高粱DDGS组,玉米DDGS和高粱DDGS组在日粮中用20%DDGS等量替代玉米,试验共进行16周。结果显示:玉米和玉米DDGS组较高粱DDGS组显著提高肉牛生长期平均日增重(P <0.05);高粱DDGS组较玉米DDGS组显著降低了生长期增重耗料比(P <0.05);与高粱DDGS组相比,玉米DDGS组显著提高了育肥期末重(P <0.05),玉米DDGS组较高粱DDGS组显著提高了试验末期肉牛的体重(P <0.05)。玉米组较高粱DDGS组显著提高了56 d肉牛血浆尿素氮含量(P <0.05);玉米、玉米DDGS和高粱DDGS组对生长期、育肥期肉牛血糖浓度的影响均无显著差异(P> 0.05)。玉米DDGS组较高粱DDGS组显著提高了屠体重(P <0.05),玉米、玉米DDGS和高粱DDGS组对肉牛眼肌面积、大理石纹评分、瘦肉率、肋骨重、皮下脂肪和肌间脂肪等的影响均无显著差异(P> 0.05)。结论 :日粮添加20%玉米DDGS较高粱DDGS提高了肉牛的生长性能,高粱DDGS提高了背膘厚度,使肉牛在较小体重情况下进入育肥期。     

Effects of mannanoligosaccharide in broiler chicken diets on growth performance, energy utilisation, nutrient digestibility and intestinal microflora

1. A study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of mannanoligosaccharide (MOS, Bio-MOS, Alltech Inc.) on the growth performance, energy utilisation, nutrient digestibility and intestinal microflora of birds given a sorghum-wheat based diet. Two MOS levels (1 and 2 g/kg) were included in the diet. 2. Inclusion of MOS at both levels in the diet improved the apparent metabolisable energy (AME) values of the diet. However, these effects were not as pronounced as those of zinc bacitracin (ZnB) treatment. Dietary ZnB also significantly improved the net energy value of the diet. No significant differences between the different levels of MOS were noticed in the growth performance, AME and net energy values of the diet. Compared to the negative control, inclusion of 2 g/kg MOS tended to improve feed conversion efficiency (FCE) in the starter phase. 3. Dietary MOS did not affect the apparent total tract digestibility of nutrients compared to the negative control. In contrast, ZnB significantly improved the protein digestibility and tended to increase the starch digestibility. The addition of MOS reduced the concentration of arabinose in the soluble non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) fraction in the excreta of birds; whereas, the concentrations of individual sugars in the insoluble NSP and free sugar fractions were increased by ZnB. 4. A decrease in the populations of lactobacilli and coliforms in the ileal and caecal lumen was observed for MOS and ZnB treatments. Correspondingly, pH and microbial fermentation in the gut was altered. The addition of MOS tended to reduce the coliform load at the gut mucosa. 5. Results from the current study suggest that MOS can improve the apparent energy utilisation of the diet and tend to improve FCE of birds in the first three posthatch weeks, which may be partly related to the modulatory effects of MOS on the gut microflora.