Effects of dietary supplementation with different levels and molecular weights of fungal β-glucan on performances, health and meat quality in broilers

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with different levels and molecular weights of fungal β-glucan on productive performances, health, carcass traits and meat quality in broilers. METHODS: Two hundred and ten of one-day-old chicks with equal sex were assigned to seven experimental groups in 2×4 factorial arrangement. These groups were supplemented with (0, 10, 30, and 60 ppm) of molecular weight 1–3, 1–6 β-glucan (low or high). High molecular weight β-glucan (H: 943 kDa) was obtained from Ophiocordyceps dipterigena BCC 2073, whereas H with γ-Irradiation treatment was performed to achieve low molecular weight β-glucan (L: 8 kDa). RESULTS: There was no statistical significance in productive performances, apparent digestibility and interaction between fixed factors along 42 days of experiment (p>0.05). A higher caecal amylase activity was present in the group that received L, while there was a dramatic decrease in H and the control groups, respectively (p<0.05). The increase of supplemental dose increased caecal amylase activity (p<0.05). Immunomodulatory effects from L was revealed by the marked increase of phagocytic activity, relative weight of thymus and bursa of fabricius (p<0.05). Similarly, the additive dose at 30 ppm provided the same results, whereas the only significant difference with supplementation at 60 ppm was an increase in phagocytic activity (p<0.05). Interestingly, villi height of broilers fed L was higher than other groups (p<0.05). The treatments did not influence haematology, blood chemistry, antibody production level against vaccination, carcass traits and meat quality (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The supplementation of L at 30 ppm was suggested to achieve benefits of immune modulation without adverse effects on other parameters.