Cecal microbiota and Clostridium perfringens in broilers fed barley-based diets: Effects of enzyme supplementation and degree of grinding.

ABSTRACT: Barley has been proposed as a promising and more sustainable alternative to common cereals in poultry diets. However, the use of barley in poultry diets has historically been limited, mainly due to observed negative impact on gastrointestinal health and performance. In this study, we explored the potential of incorporating barley into broiler diets, focusing on effects on Clostridium perfringens, the causative agent of necrotic enteritis in poultry, and the cecal microbiota. The study included four diets containing 54% barley, with or without the addition of non-starch polysaccharide-degrading enzyme (NSPase), and one control diet without barley. The main ingredients were ground to either a fine or coarse particle size. Low C. perfringens levels were maintained in the intestines of broiler

SUBMITTER: Estensmo EL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12919292 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature