Understanding the importance of myo-inositol for poultry production.
Arthur, C. (2024) Understanding the importance of myo-inositol for poultry production. Doctoral thesis, Harper Adams University.
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Abstract
Recently, free myo-inositol (Ins) availability in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of growing poultry has increased due to the dietary inclusion of phytase enzymes enhancing the digestibility of organic phosphorus (P). Increasing phytase dosage, known as super dosing, has ‘extra-phosphoric effects’, including improved feeding efficiency and increasing concentrations of Ins and inositol phosphates. It is therefore hypothesised Ins may improve bird performance, acting as a growth promoter, explaining the beneficial effects of super dosing phytase. Ins is a cyclohexitol sugar alcohol, involved in many biological pathways. In humans, the requirement for Ins is met from de novo synthesis, GIT uptake of Ins or the recycling of Ins containing compounds. It is unclear if this is the case in poultry. The objective of this thesis was to evaluate the efficacy and explanatory mechanisms of Ins relating to bird performance, Ins homeostasis and health of broiler chickens. Results indicated that 4.5 g/kg Ins improved bird growth performance, although greater dosages of Ins (30 g/kg) were not beneficial. Ins in tissues could be manipulated (except brain) from either phytase supplementation or direct free Ins, with increases in kidney, muscle tissue and blood plasma observed. Further results indicated that despite clear increases in Ins in the jejunum and kidney tissue, the relative gene expression did not demonstrate the expected manipulation of Ins homeostasis. Additionally, negative effects of feeding Ins at 3.5 and 7.5 g/kg Ins were observed with significant decreases in bird growth performance. The studies also demonstrated no Ins related antioxidant activity in growing broiler chickens and marginal effects on chicken health despite increases in blood plasma and free Ins in the GIT. In conclusion, there are no clear growth or health benefits of feeding growing broiler chickens with free Ins suggesting alternative mechanisms are associated with the extra-phosphoric effects associated with super dosing phytase
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Divisions: | Agriculture and Environment (from 1.08.20) |
| Depositing User: | Mrs Rachael Giles |
| Date Deposited: | 01 Nov 2024 14:41 |
| Last Modified: | 02 Nov 2024 04:30 |
| URI: | https://hau.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/18138 |
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