Comparing two techniques for viscosity measurements in poultry feedstuffs: does it render similar conclusions?

Viscosity of intestinal contents is known to affect digestion and absorption of nutrients. In most poultry studies, intestinal viscosity has been measured only after complete removal of solid particles by centrifugation. Centrifugation may however remove particles that contribute to viscosity, hence giving rise to an underestimation of viscosity.

Mycotoxin binder improves growth rate in piglets associated with reduction of toll-like receptor-4 and increase of tight junction protein gene expression in gut mucosa.

Background: Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a mycotoxin produced by species in the field, commonly found in cereal grains, which negatively affects performances and health of animals. Mycotoxin binders are supposed to reduce the toxicity of mycotoxins.

Method: The effect of a mycotoxin binder (containing acid-activated bentonite, clinoptilolite, yeast cell walls and organic acids) on growth performance and gut health was studied.

Does release of encapsulated nutrients have an important role in the efficacy of xylanase in broilers?

The non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) in cell walls can act as a barrier for digestion of intracellular nutrients. This effect is called "cage effect." Part of the success of fibrolytic enzymes in broiler feed is assumed to be attributed to cage effect reduction.