The effect of different emulsifiers on fat and energy digestibility in broilers

As the digestive tract in young animals is not completely developed, fat absorption from the feed matrix may be hampered. Mixing an emulsifier into the diet can overcome this problem. The effect of four different emulsifiers was tested on the fat and energy digestibility of a fat-rich diet (12.91%, DM basis). The emulsifiers were added on top (250 mg/kg) of a grower diet with a low ratio of unsaturated/saturated fatty acids (1.5) and a high free fatty acids content. The balance trial was executed between 17 and 21 days of age with Ross 308 birds, housed with four per cage and six replicates per diet. The addition of an emulsifier resulted in an improved fat digestibility, significant for emulsifiers A, B and C. The increase varied between 4.6 points (Emulsifier D) and 7.5 points (Emulsifier B). MEn values of diets with an emulsifier were significantly (P<0.05) higher and the upgrade varied between 103 kcal/kg DM for Emulsifier C and 138-137 kcal/kg DM for Emulsifiers D and B.