Effects of replacing soybean meal by different levels of sunflower meal supplemented with protease enzyme on intestinal microflora and gastrointestinal tract characteristics of laying hens

The aim of this experiment was consider of effects of replacing soybean meal (SBM) by different levels of sunflower meal (SFM) supplemented with protease enzyme on intestinal microflora, gizzard and cecum digeta pH and internal body organs characteristics in laying hens. In total, one hundred and twenty white Bovans laying hens were used from 77 to 86 weeks of age. This experiment including 6 treatments, 5 replicates and 4 hens in each. This study was conducted in a completely randomized design (CRD) as a factorial management 3×2 (0, 45 and 90% sunflower meal replaced by SBM) and protease enzyme (0 and 200 g/ton). Digesta cecum was taken for measurement of intestinal microflora of birds (lactic acid producing bacteria and Escherichia coli) at 86 weeks of age. Then, pH of the gizzard and cecum digesta and internal body organs characteristics were measured. Population of lactic acid producing bacteria and Escherichia coli, and gizzard and cecum pH were not affected by treatments (P>0.05). Duodenum length significantly increased by 45% replacing of SFM in the diet than other treatments (P