Nutrient and fiber utilization responses of supplemental xylanase in broiler chickens fed wheat based diets are independent of the adaptation period to test diets

Comparative growth performance, gizzard weight, ceca digesta short chain fatty acids and nutrient utilization in broiler chickens and turkey poults in response to cereal grain type, fiber level, and multienzyme supplement fed from hatch to 28 days of life

Growth performance, gizzard weight, ceca digesta short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), and apparent retention (AR) of components were investigated in broilers and turkeys in response to cereal grain type, fiber level, and multienzyme supplement (MES) fed from hatch to 28 d of life. 480-day-old male broiler chicks and equal number of turkeys were placed separately in metabolism cages (10 birds/cage) and allocated to 8 diets. The species-specific diets were a corn or wheat-based basal diet without (LF) or with 10% corn DDGS or wheat middlings (HF) and fed without or with MES. This effectively created a 2 (grain types) × 2 (fiber levels) × 2 (MES) factorial arrangement of treatments. The diets had TiO2 as an indigestible marker. Body weight, feed intake, and mortalities were recorded to calculate body weight gain (BWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Excreta samples were collected on d 25 to 27 for AR, and all birds were necropsied for gizzard weight and ceca digesta on d 28. The interaction between grain and MES in broilers was such that wheat diets with MES had the lowest (P = 0.005) FCR. In broilers, LF diets had better (P = 0.010) FCR than HF diets. The wheat diets had the highest (P = 0.006) concentration of butyric acid in broilers. Broilers fed HF and corn diets had heavier gizzard than broilers-fed LF and wheat diets. The MES improved (P < 0.05) AMEn in HF, corn, and wheat diets in broilers. The turkeys fed wheat diets had the lowest (P = 0.019) FCR. Turkeys fed HF wheat diets had the heaviest (P < 0.001) gizzard. In turkeys, the MES improved AMEn in HF and LF corn diets, and only in LF wheat diets compared to respective controls. Treatments had no effect on turkeys cecal SCFA. In conclusion, grain type, fiber, and MES did not affect growth in both species. However, species exhibited differing FCR, gizzard, and energy utilization to fiber and MES.

Effects of pretreating wheat middlings and sunflower meal with fiber degrading enzymes on components solubilization and utilization in broiler chickens

Pretreating fibrous feedstuffs with exogenous enzymes may improve their utilization in broiler chickens. Pretreatment of wheat middlings (WM) and sunflower meal (SM) with fiber degrading enzymes (FDE) was investigated for 1) in vitro solubilization of crude protein (CP) and fiber-degrading (experiment 1), and 2) apparent retention (AR) of CP, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), nitrogen corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn), as well as the concentration of ceca digesta metabolites in broiler chickens (experiment 2). In experiment 1, WM was pretreated with FDE and SM with FDE ± protease and incubated in a shaker for 24 or 48 h at 40°C and 200 rpm. Samples were centrifuged, and the supernatant used for assay of sugars and organic acids and pellet processed for determination of apparent disappearance (AD) of dry matter (DM), fiber, and CP solubilization. In experiment 2, WM and SM were pretreated with FDE for 24 h, oven-dried, and incorporated in iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous experimental diets. Diets were: 1) a corn-soybean meal positive control (PC); 2) PC plus untreated WM and SM (negative control, NC), and diets 3, 4, 5, and 6 test diets, in which the untreated WM and SM in NC were replaced with pretreated WM and SM at 25% (N25), 50% (N50), 75% (N75), and 100% (N100), respectively. Diets were prepared in mash form in two phases (starter, days 0 to 21 and finisher, days 22 to 42) and had TiO2 (0.3%) as an indigestible marker. A total of 288 Ross708 d-old male broiler chicks were placed in cages based on body weights (6 birds/cage) and allocated diets (n = 8). Birds had free access to feed and water. Samples of excreta for AR and AMEn, and of ceca digesta for the concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) were collected at the end of each phase. Pretreatment with FDE increased (P < 0.001) solubilization of CP, AD of NDF, and release of sugars and organic acids in the supernatant. The mixture of FDE and protease further increased (P < 0.001) CP solubilization in SM. Feeding pretreated WM and SM had a linear response (P ≤ 0.038) on AMEn, and gross energy (GE) (day 21) and a quadratic response (P < 0.05) on AR of components and AMEn (day 42) and concentration of total SCFA on day 42. On day 42, N25 and N50 had higher AR of DM, CP, NDF, and GE than N75 and N100. In conclusion, pretreatment of WM and SM with enzymes increased CP and fiber degradation. Incorporating moderate amounts (N25 and N50) of pretreated WM and SM in a corn-soybean meal diet fed to broiler chickens improved nutrient and energy utilization.

Compound non-starch polysaccharide enzymes improve growth performance, slaughter performance, immune function, and apparent utilization rate of nutrients in broiler chickens fed a low-metabolizable energy diet

This study aimed to investigate the effects of compound non-starch polysaccharide (NSP) enzymes on growth performance, slaughter performance, immune function, and apparent utilization of nutrients in broiler chickens fed a low-metabolizable energy diet. A total of 240 healthy 1-day-old AA broilers (Arbor Acres, 47.2 ± 0.31 g) were randomly divided into four treatment groups, each with six replicate groups and 10 broilers per replicate. The control group was fed a basal diet; the EL-H group was fed the basal diet supplemented with 200 mg/kg compound NSP enzyme, including β-mannanase 5,000 IU/g, β-glucanase 2000 IU/g, xylanase 10,000 IU/g, and cellulase 500 IU/g. The EL-M group was fed the basal diet with 50 kcal/kg metabolizable energy removed, supplemented with 200 mg/kg compound NSP enzyme. Finally, the EL-L group was fed the basal diet with 100 kcal/kg metabolizable energy removed, supplemented with 200 mg/kg compound NSP enzyme. The results showed that feeding with a low-metabolizable energy diet supplemented with compound NSP enzymes did not significantly affect the growth performance of broilers (p > 0.05). Compared with the control group, the abdominal fat rate of broilers in the EL-L group was significantly reduced, and that of broilers in the EL-M group was significantly increased (p < 0.05). Apparent utilization of dry matter, crude protein, and energy in the diet was lower in the control group than in the EL-L group, but significantly higher in the control group than in the EL-H group (p < 0.05). In addition, apparent utilization of crude fiber was significantly increased in the EL-H, EL-M, and EL-L groups compared with the control group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, this experiment showed that the addition of 200 mg/kg compound NSP enzyme enabled maintenance of the normal growth and development of broiler chickens fed a low-metabolizable energy diet (replacing 50-100 kcal/kg metabolizable energy). This study provides a theoretical basis for the application of the compound NSP enzyme in broiler chickens.

Xylanase supplementation of pelleted wheat-based diets increases growth efficiency and apparent metabolizable energy and decreases viscosity of intestinal contents in broilers

This study was designed to test graded supplementation of a thermostable xylanase in pelleted, wheat-based diets fed to broiler chickens over a 28-d period. A total of 600 Ross 708 male broilers were allotted to 1 of 5 dietary treatments: positive control (PC), negative control (NC; 125 kcal of AME/kg diet reduction relative to PC), and NC supplemented with 10, 15, or 30 g/ton of xylanase. Wheat-soybean meal-based diets were pelleted and fed in 2 feeding phases (14-d each). Study outcomes included growth performance, AME, and ileal digesta viscosity with 20 battery cages of 6 birds per treatment. Data were analyzed by 1-way ANOVA along with estimation of Pearson correlation coefficients. Whereas no difference between NC and PC was observed for BW gain, NC birds exhibited increased (P < 0.05) feed intake during each feeding phase and overall, which caused improvements (P < 0.05) in feed conversion ratio (FCR) for PC vs. NC birds. The analyzed AME of PC birds was 112 kcal/kg of diet greater (P < 0.05) than for NC birds, though no differences in digesta viscosity were observed. Xylanase supplementation of the NC diet at 15 or 30 g/ton elicited overall improvements (P < 0.05) in BW gain beyond the PC, while the 30 g/ton level equalized feed intake with the PC. Regardless of level, xylanase supplementation improved (P < 0.05) the FCR relative to the NC, thereby equalizing the response with the PC. Similarly, supplementation with any xylanase level increased (P < 0.05) AME over the NC, making all treatments synonymous with the PC. Digesta viscosity of all xylanase-supplemented treatments was decreased relative to both the NC and PC treatments. Overall, this study provided clear evidence that addition of a thermostable xylanase to pelleted wheat-based diets elicited improvements in growth performance of broilers concomitant with a reduction in digesta viscosity and elevation of analyzed dietary AME content.

Methodologies for energy evaluation of pig and poultry feeds: A review

The cost of feed represents an important part of the total cost in swine and poultry production (>60%) with energy accounting for at least 70% of feed cost. The energy value of ingredients or compound feeds can be estimated as digestible (DE), metabolisable (ME) and net energy (NE) in pigs and ME and NE in poultry. The current paper reviews the different methods for evaluating DE, ME and NE of feeds for monogastric animals and their difficulties and limits, with a focus on NE. In pigs and poultry, energy digestibility depends on the chemical characteristics of the feed, but also on technology (pelleting, for instance) and animal factors such as their health and body weight. The ME value includes the energy losses in urine that are directly dependent on the proportion of dietary N excreted in urine resulting in the concept of ME adjusted for a zero N balance (MEn) in poultry. For poultry, the concept of true ME (TME, TMEn), which excludes the endogenous fecal and urinary energy losses from the excreta energy, was also developed. The measurement of dietary NE is more complex, and NE values of a given feed depend on the animal and environmental factors and also measurement and calculation methods. The combination of NE values of diets obtained under standardised conditions allows calculating NE prediction equations that are applicable to both ingredients and compound feeds. The abundance of energy concepts, especially for poultry, and the numerous feed and animal factors of variation related to energy digestibility or ME utilisation for NE suggest that attention must be paid to the experimental conditions for evaluating DE, ME or NE content. This also suggests the necessity of standardisations, one of them being, as implemented in pigs, an adjustment of ME values in poultry for an N retention representative of modern production conditions (MEs). In conclusion, this review illustrates that, in addition to numerous technical difficulties for evaluating energy in pigs and poultry, the absolute energy values depend on feed and animal factors, the environment, and the methods and concepts. Finally, as implemented in pigs, the use of NE values should be the objective of a more reliable energy system for poultry feeds.

The Enzymatic Digestion of Pomaces From Some Fruits for Value-Added Feed Applications in Animal Production

With the noticed steady increase of global demand for animal proteins coupled with the current farming practices falling short in fulfilling the requested quantities, more attention is being paid for means and methods intended to maximize every available agricultural-resource in a highly sustainable fashion to address the above growing gap between production and consumers' demand. Within this regard, considerable efforts are being invested either in identifying new animal feed ingredients or maximizing the utilization of already established ones. The public preference and awareness of the importance of using waste products generated by fruit-dependent industries (juice, jams, spirits, etc.) has improved substantially in recent years where a genuine interest of using the above waste(s) in meaningful applications is solidifying and optimization-efforts are being pursued diligently. While many of the earlier reported usages of fruit pomaces as feedstuffs suggested the possibility of using minimally processed raw materials alone, the availability of exogenous digestive and bio-conversion enzymes is promising to take such applications to new un-matched levels. This review will discuss some efforts and practices using exogenous enzymes to enhance fruit pomaces quality as feed components as well as their nutrients' accessibility for poultry and swine production purposes. The review will also highlight efforts deployed to adopt numerous naturally derived and environmentally friendly catalytic agents for sustainable future feed applications and animal farming-practices.

Impact of fiber on growth, plasma, gastrointestinal and excreta attributes in broiler chickens and turkey poults fed corn- or wheat-based diets with or without multienzyme supplement

Effects of fiber on growth performance, gizzard attributes, ileal digesta viscosity, plasma uric acid (PUA) and excreta characteristics were investigated in broiler chickens (experiment 1) and turkey poults (experiment 2) fed corn or wheat-based diets with or without multienzyme supplement (MES). Fibrous diets were created by adding 10% corn distillers dried grains with solubles or wheat middlings in corn or wheat-based diets, respectively. The MES had main activities of xylanase and β-glucanase. A total of 960-d old Ross x Ross 708 male chicks and 720-d old male Hybrid toms were allocated to eight grain, fiber and MES combinations to give 6 replicates per combination. In each experiment, birds had free access to feed and water for 28 days. Excreta samples were collected for 3-d prior to the end and on d 28, body weight and feed intake were recorded, birds bled and subsequently necropsied for gastrointestinal samples. There was an interaction (P ≤ 0.036) between grain, fiber and MES in broilers final body weight (FBW) and BW gain (BWG). In this context, high fiber corn diets reduced FBW and BWG and supplementation of MES improved these parameters. Broilers fed corn had a higher (P < 0.05) FBW (1,462 vs. 1,424 g) and BWG (1,416 vs. 1,378 g) than birds fed wheat diets. Broilers fed corn-based diets without fiber diets had a higher ileal viscosity and excreta moisture compared to birds fed wheat-based and high fiber diets. Broilers fed low fiber wheat diets without MES had higher (P < 0.05) PUA concentration compared to birds fed low fiber corn diets without MES. Poults fed wheat diets had a higher (P < 0.05) FBW (1,441 vs. 1,408 g) and BWG (1,376 vs. 1,343 g) than poults fed corn diet. The MES supplementation in corn-based diets rich in fiber increased (P = 0.03) gizzard weight in poults. In conclusion, there were varied growth and physiological responses in broilers and turkey suggesting the need for refining enzyme application for different poultry species.

Utility of Feed Enzymes and Yeast Derivatives in Ameliorating Deleterious Effects of Coccidiosis on Intestinal Health and Function in Broiler Chickens

Coccidiosis induced necrotic lesions impair digestive capacity and barrier function in concurrence with increased risks for secondary bacterial infections. The industry has been successful in controlling coccidiosis with anticoccidials and vaccination. However, concerns over Eimeria species resistant to anticoccidials, gaps in vaccination and restriction on antibiotics is stimulating research and application of alternative and/or complimentary strategies for coccidiosis control. The aim of this paper is to appraise literature on the utility of feed enzymes and yeast derivatives in modulating coccidiosis. Feed enzymes can complement endogenous enzymes (protease, amylase, and lipase) that may become insufficient in coccidiosis afflicted birds. Coccidiosis in the upper small intestine creates conditions that enhances efficacy of phytase and there are reports indicating supplemental phytase can mitigate the negative impact of coccidiosis on bone quality. Increase in intestinal short chain fatty acids due supplemental fiber degrading enzymes has been linked with reduced survivability of Eimeria. There is evidence whole yeast (live or dead) and derivatives can modulate coccidiosis. Immunomudulation properties of the yeast derivatives have been shown to enhance cellular and humoral immunity in Eimeria challenge models which is critical for effectiveness of coccidial vaccination. Moreover, yeast nucleotides have been shown to be beneficial in stimulating healing of intestinal mucosal surface. Other novel work has shown that certain yeast cells can produce derivatives with anticoccidial compounds effective in attenuating oocysts shedding. Yeast cell surface has also been shown to be an effective oral Eimeria vaccine delivery vehicle. Overall, while further refinement research is warranted to address inconsistencies in responses and commercial application, there is evidence feed enzymes and yeast derivatives could complement strategies for maintaining intestinal function to bolster growth performance in broilers compromised with coccidiosis. However, broilers receive diets containing several feed additives with distinct mode of actions and yet there is dearth of empirical data on the expected responses.Future evaluations should consider combinations of additives to document animal responses and potential synergies.

Growth performance and gastrointestinal responses in heavy Tom turkeys fed antibiotic free corn-soybean meal diets supplemented with multiple doses of a single strain Bacillus subtilis probiotic (DSM29784)1

Growth performance and gastrointestinal (GIT) responses to a single-strain of Bacillus subtilis (SSB) were investigated using 960 Hybrid Converter Toms. A total of 4 iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous corn-soybean meal-based diets were allocated to 12 replicate cages/pens and fed (ad libitum) in a four-phase feeding program (starter; days 0 to 28, grower-1; days 29 to 56, grower-2; days 57 to 84, and finisher; days 85 to 126). The diets had either 0 (control), 1E+08 (low), 2E+08 (mid) or 1E+09 (high) cfu B. subtilis/kg. Feed intake (FI) and BW were recorded by phase. Excreta samples were collected towards the end of starter and grower-1 phases for apparent retention (AR) of components by marker method and litter moisture, respectively. Selected birds were necropsied on days 28 and 56 for GIT weight and samples for jejunal histomorphology and ceca digesta short chain fatty acids (SCFA). Supplemental SSB had linear and non-linear (P < 0.05) response on BW gain (BWG). Specifically, relative to the control, birds fed low SSB had higher BWG in starter and grower-1 phases whereas bird fed mid and high SSB had lower BWG in grower-2 and birds fed low and mid SSB had higher BWG in finisher phase. Consequently, birds fed low and mid SSB doses were heavier (P < 0.05) than control fed birds at the end of trial. The FCR response to SSB was linear and non-linear (P < 0.05) with birds fed low SSB showing lower FCR than control fed birds in starter, grower-1 and finisher phases. Supplemental SSB had linear and non-linear (P < 0.05) effects on AR of components (DM, ash, crude protein, crude fat, neutral detergent fiber, and gross energy), litter moisture, GIT weight, jejunal histomorphology, and SCFA. Relative to control, birds fed high SSB showed higher AR of components, villi height, day 56 ceca digesta total SCFA concentration, and lower litter moisture. In conclusions, under condition of the current study, growth performance was optimized by low to mid SSB. Improved nutrient retention and indices of gut health suggested higher SSB doses may optimize growth performance under challenging farm conditions.

Dietary administration of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens R8 reduces hepatic oxidative stress and enhances nutrient metabolism and immunity against Aeromonas hydrophila and Streptococcus agalactiae in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are an excellent model for assessing the beneficial effects of probiotics before applying them in aquaculture. This study evaluated the effects on zebrafish of dietary supplementation with the probiotic Bacillus amyloliquefaciens R8, which heterologously expresses xylanase from rumen fungi. Nutrient metabolism, hepatic oxidative stress, and innate immunity against pathogen infections were investigated. Treated zebrafish received feed supplemented with B. amyloliquefaciens R8 for 30 days and then were compared to zebrafish that were fed a control diet. The treated fish showed significant increases in xylanase activity in the intestines. The livers of the treated fish showed increased mRNA expressions of glycolysis-related genes of hexokinase, glucokinase, glucose-6-phosphatase, and pyruvate kinase; and higher enzyme activities of 3-hydroxyacyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase and citrate synthase which are associated with fatty acid β-oxidation and mitochondrial integrity. The livers of treated fish also showed decreased mRNA expressions of oxidative stress-related genes (SOD, Gpx, NOS2, and Hsp70) and an apoptotic gene (tp53), as well as increased expression of an anti-apoptotic gene (bcl-2). The probiotics-treated fish had increased expression of innate immune-related genes (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-21, TNF-α, and TLR-1, -3, and -4). Following challenge with Aeromonas hydrophila and Streptococcus agalactiae, treated fish showed increased a higher survival rate than control fish. Overall, results showed that the administration of xylanase-expressing B. amyloliquefaciens R8 can potentially improve nutrient metabolism and hepatic stress tolerance, and enhance immunity and disease resistance against A. hydrophila and S. agalactiae in zebrafish.

Xylanase and Fermented Polysaccharide of Hericium caputmedusae Reduce Pathogenic Infection of Broilers by Improving Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Background

Pathogenic infection in broilers has become an important issue in the development of poultry industry. Xylooligosaccharides released from xylan via xylanase and fermented polysaccharide of Hericium caputmedusae (FPHC) have antimicrobial potential against many pathogens.

Objective

We aimed to explore the effects of xylanase and FPHC on pathogenic infection in the broilers (Gallus gallus domesticus).

Methods

Three hundred and thirty 21-day male broilers were assigned into four groups: control group (CG, basic diet), xylanase group (XG, basic diet + xylanase), FPHC group (HG, basic diet + FPHC), and XHG group (basic diet + xylanase + FPHC). Average daily feed intake (ADFI) and daily gain (ADG) were measured. Microflora from broiler feces was analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing. Serum tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-) α, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), IL-10, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were detected using kits. The variables were compared using the Student t-test between two groups.

Results

Microbiological investigations showed that 75% of broilers were affected by bacterial pathogens in the CG group, most notably by coagulase-negative staphylococci. Comparatively, 15%, 26%, and 5% of broilers were affected by bacterial pathogens in the XG, HG, and XHG groups, respectively. Xylanase and FPHC treatment increased the ratio of ADG to ADFI and antioxidant capacity by increasing the levels of T-AOC, SOD, and GSH-Px and reducing the levels of MDA (P < 0.05). Xylanase and FPHC treatment improved anti-inflammatory capacity by increasing serum levels of IL-1ra and IL-10 and reducing the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α. On the other hand, the treatment increased probiotic concentration of Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus subtilis, and Lactobacillus plantarum (P < 0.05), which were also proved in cell culture.

Conclusions

Xylanase and FPHC ameliorate pathogen infection by increasing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of broilers via the increase of probiotics.

Growth performance, gastrointestinal weight, microbial metabolites and apparent retention of components in broiler chickens fed up to 11% rice bran in a corn-soybean meal diet without or with a multi-enzyme supplement

We investigated the effects of adding up to 11% rice bran (RB) in corn-soybean meal diets fed to broiler chickens without or with a multi-enzyme supplement (MES). The MES supplied xylanase, β-glucanase, invertase, protease, cellulase, α-amylase and mannanase with targeted activity of 2,500, 300, 700, 10,000, 1,200, 24,000, and 20 U/kg of feed, respectively. The study used a two-phase feeding program (starter, d 0 to 24; finisher, d 25 to 35) with RB added at 5% and 11%, respectively creating 4 diets in each phase. Diets were iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous and contained phytase (500 FTU/kg) and TiO₂ as a digestibility marker. Three hundred and sixty d-old male Ross 708 broiler chicks were placed in cages based on BW (15 birds/cage) and allocated to 4 diets (n = 6). Birds had free access to feed and water. Body weight and feed intake were recorded. Excreta samples were collected 3 d prior to the end of each phase for apparent retention (AR) of components. Samples of birds were sacrificed on d 24 and 35 for gut weight and ceca digesta for organic acid content. There was no interaction (P > 0.10) between RB and MES on BWG and FCR in starter or finisher phase. In finisher phase, birds fed MES had better BWG (961 versus 858 g) and FCR (1.69 versus 1.86) than birds fed non-MES diets (P < 0.01). Feeding RB reduced (P = 0.02) BWG in finisher phase resulting in lower d 35 BW. Birds fed RB had higher (P ≤ 0.01) gizzard weight on d 24 and 35 than non-RB birds. An interaction (P ≤ 0.01) between RB and MES on concentrations of propionic and iso-butyric acids in ceca digesta showed that MES reduced these acids in non-RB diet. The AR of gross energy was higher (P < 0.02) for MES versus non-MES birds in starter and finisher phases. In conclusion, independently, RB increased gizzard weight and reduced final BW whereas MES improved growth and energy utilization.

Utilization of soy hulls, oat hulls, and flax meal fiber in adult broiler breeder hens

A total of 72, 65-week-old broiler breeder hens (Ross 308, BW 4,190 ± 45 g) was placed in individual cages to investigate utilization of fiber in soy hulls (SH), oat hulls (OH), and flax meal (FM). Birds were adapted to cages for 10 d prior to allocation (n = 18) to broiler breeder ration (control) or control mixed with either of the 3 fiber sources (wt/wt) added to supply equal amounts of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) ∼21% and TiO2. The daily feed allocation was based on 4% BW. Feed intake (FI) was monitored daily, and grab excreta samples were taken on d 16 and 17. On d 18, all birds were weighed and killed 2 h post feeding to measure ceca digesta pH and short chain fatty acids (SCFA). Relative to the control birds, birds receiving fiber lost (P < 0.05) BW due to decreased (P < 0.05) FI. The BW changes were respectively +80, -174, -133, and -585 g/bird for control, SH, OH, and FM, and corresponding FI was 1,062, 918, 885, and 590 g/bird. Birds fed FM retained higher (P < 0.05) NDF than birds fed either SH or OH. The ceca digesta pH was lower (P < 0.05) in birds receiving added fiber relative to control. However, ceca digesta pH of FM fed birds was lower (P < 0.05) than in birds fed either SH or OH, which were in turn similar (P > 0.05). Birds fed FM had higher (P < 0.05) concentration of butyric acid than birds fed the control diets, while birds fed SH and OH had intermediate butyric acid concentration. Acetic acid and total SCFA concentrations were higher (P < 0.05) in birds fed OH diet than in birds fed control but was similar (P > 0.05) to that in birds fed either SH or FM. In conclusion, short term feeding of fibrous feed ingredients reduced BW linked to reduced FI. Fiber sources exhibited differences in utilization reflective of chemical characteristics.