Effect of Different Levels of Perlite on Mucosal Amylase Enzymes Activity in Small Intestine of Broiler Chicks

Amylase enzyme is an enzyme responsible for digestion and absorption of carbohydrates in the small intestine and effect of perlite in the diet of broilers on amylase enzyme had not been investigated. This study had been designed and performed to evaluate effect of different levels of perlite on amylase enzyme activity in small intestine of male broiler chicks. The experiment design was arranged as randomized complete bocks in 4×2 factorial arrangement of treatment. 180 male broilers of Ross 308 commercial hybrid was designated into 3 groups (0, 2 and 4 %). 3 replicates of 20 birds were assigned to each treatment. Control treatments were fed base diet and treatment groups with the same base diet plus 2 or 4% perlite. Animals were slaughtered at 21, 28, 36 and 42 days and different segments of small intestine (at 1,10,30,50,70 and 90% of total length of the small intestine) were taken from each replicates (N = 2). Amylase enzyme activity was measured and recorded. Data were analyzed by SAS (p<0.05). Data showed that intake of perlite, significantly increased Amylase enzyme activity at different weeks and sites of the small intestine of the broiler chicks (p<0.05). These data suggested that perlite administration had significantly affected amylase activity as compared with control treatment.