This collection features five peer-reviewed reviews on dietary supplements in poultry nutrition.
The first chapter reviews latest research on feed enzymes focussing on identifying the key challenges researchers face in terms of current trends in enzyme development, mechanism(s) of action and enzyme efficacy.
The second chapter considers the role of probiotics in optimising gut function in poultry. It reviews the development of novel, cost-effective, feed-stable, direct-fed microbials with potential for widespread utilisation and improved production.
The third chapter discusses the role of essential oils and botanicals in improving gut function in poultry, focussing on four major functions of phytobiotics that could potentially contribute to gut health: digestive conditioning, antimicrobial property, immunomodulation and gut microbiota modulation.
The fourth chapter considers the development of alternative protein sources for poultry nutrition, including grain by-products, pulses and algae. It also reviews best practices for improving the nutritive value of these alternative protein sources.
The final chapter reviews the effects of supplemental full- or de-fatted microalgal biomass in poultry diets on animal production and performance, meat and egg qualities, as well as nutrient metabolism and molecular responses.
Chapter 1 - Advances in understanding and improving the role of enzymes in poultry nutrition: Bogdan A. Slominski, University of Manitoba, Canada; 1 Introduction2 Phytase in poultry diets: enzyme efficacy, phytate and non-phytate phosphorus contents and environmental impacts3 Non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) and NSP enzymes: physiological effects, multi-carbohydrase enzymes and prebiotic potential4 b-Mannanase in poultry nutrition5 Starch digestion and supplemental a-amylase6 Microbial protease supplementation7 Concluding remarks8 Where to look for further information9 References Chapter 2 - The role of probiotics in optimizing gut function in poultry: Guillermo Tellez and Juan D. Latorre, University of Arkansas, USA; Margarita A. Arreguin-Nava, Eco-Bio LLC, USA; and Billy M. Hargis, University of Arkansas, USA; 1 Introduction2 Experiences of probiotics in poultry3 Probiotics and inflammation4 Risks of overuse of antibiotics5 The use of direct-fed microbials6 Conclusion7 Where to look for further information8 References Chapter 3 - The role of essential oils and other botanicals in optimising gut function in poultry: Divek V. T. Nair, Grace Dewi and Anup Kollanoor-Johny, University of Minnesota, USA; 1 Introduction2 The emergence of regulations to curb antibiotic resistance3 Phytobiotics: an emerging group of alternatives4 Potential role of phytobiotics to improve gut health in poultry5 Benefits of improving gut health on poultry production6 Conclusion and future trends7 References Chapter 4 - Alternative sources of protein for poultry nutrition: Paul A. Iji, Mehdi Toghyani, Emmanuel U. Ahiwe and Apeh A. Omede, University of New England, Australia; 1 Introduction2 Regional supply of conventional protein sources3 Finding alternative sources of protein for poultry4 Alternative plant protein sources: grain by-products5 Alternative plant protein sources: oil seed and fruit by-products6 Alternative plant protein sources: grain legumes or pulses7 Alternative plant protein sources: algae and duckweed8 Alternative animal protein sources9 Poultry responses to diets containing alternative protein sources10 Constraints on the use of alternative protein sources11 Improving the nutritive value of alternative protein sources for poultry12 Conclusion13 Where to look for further information14 References Chapter 5 - Microalgae: a unique source of poultry feed protein: Sahil Kalia, Andrew D. Magnuson, Guanchen Liu and Xin Gen Lei, Cornell University, USA; 1 Introduction2 Nutrient composition of microalgae as alternative feed protein and bioactive nutrient sources3 Effects and values of microalgae as a supplement in broiler diets4 Effects and values of microalgae as a supplement in laying hen diets5 Potential of microalgae as a supplement in diets for other poultry species6 Conclusion and future trends7 Where to look for further information8 References
Sahil Kalia is working as a Postdoctoral Associate in the Department of Animal Science at Cornell University. He has published various research articles, abstracts, book chapters in reputed journals including Nature Publishing Group. Dr Xin Gen Lei is Professor of Molecular Nutrition in the Department of Animal Science at Cornell University, USA. Professor Lei has an international reputation for his wide-ranging research in nutrition as well as algal biomass research. Amongst his many achievements, Professor Lei developed a new phytase enzyme that is now used in 46 countries to improve feed phosphorus bioavailability to animals and reduce their phosphorus excretion. He has won a number of awards from The American Society for Nutrition and the American Society of Animal Science. He is Associate Editor of the Journal of Nutrition as well as President of TEMA (Trace Elements in Man and Animals).
