Effects of Canola Bioactive Peptides on Performance, Digestive Enzyme Activities, Nutrient Digestibility, Intestinal Morphology and Gut Microflora in Broiler Chickens

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of canola bioactive peptides (CBP) produced by enzymatic hydrolysis of canola meal on performance, digestive enzyme activity, nutrient digestibility, gut microflora and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens. A total of 250 one-day-old Ross 308 male broiler chicks were randomly allocated to 5 dietary treatments with 5 replicates of 10 birds per each. Birds were fed with a basal diet (Control) or a basal diet supplemented with CBP at 100, 150, 200 and 250 mg/kg over 42 days. Results indicated that addition of 200 and 250 mg CBP/kg diet increased (P < 0.05) body weight gain and decreased feed conversion ratio (1-28 d and 29-42 d) (P < 0.05). Adding 200 and 250 mg CBP/kg diet improved amylase, lipase and protease activities in the small intestine (P < 0.05). Also, adding CBP to diet increased dry matter, organic matter, crude protein and ether extract digestibility (P < 0.05). The villus height, the ratio of villus height to crypt depth of duodenum, jejunum, and ileum in chicks fed by different amounts of CBP increased while crypt depth significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Adding CBP decreased gram negative bacteria counts in ileum and caecum compared to the control group. Results of the present study suggest that adding CBP to broiler diet may increase nutrient digestibility and act as an antimicrobial agent.