Proteases are protein-digesting enzymes that are used to break down the proteins of various plant materials and proteinaceous anti-nutrients in plant protein feedstuffs. The use of exogenous proteases can help in the reduction of the protein contents of a given feed by improving the digestibility and availability of the protein thereby reducing the cost of feed contributed by the protein feedstuff. It will also help to reduce the nitrogen excretion by the poultry and will contribute to mitigate the climate change.
In the present study the protease from a bacillus lachniformis spp was supplemented to evaluate the effect of enzyme on protein digestibility, gut health and birds performance. For this three experimental diets with 21, 19 and 17 % CP (HP, MP and LP) with six treatments with and without exogenous protease were used in this trial to evaluate the effect of protease. Each treatment was replicated to 6 pens and 10 birds were allocated to each pen. Parameters studied regarding birds performance were feed intake, weight gain and FCR. All the growth performance parameters were recorded on weekly basis while the Ileal digestibility and gut health parameters were recorded at the 35th day of the trial. Data was analysed through completely randomized design (CRD) under factorial arrangement using ANOVA technique (Steel et al. 1997). Means were separated through Duncan’s Multiple Range test (Duncon’s, 1955) with the help of SAS 9.1.
The results of feed intake, weight gain and feed intake: gain on weekly basis showed inconsistent results, however the overall performance of the birds fed low protein diets supplemented with protease showed significant results. The gut health parameters showed the significant increase in villus height. The apparent Ileal digestibility of protein was significantly increased in the MP supplemented with protease enzyme.
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CONCLUSION
Based upon the findings of this study it can be concluded that;
 Supplementation of protease improves growth performance of the broilers however the results on weekly basis were inconsistent but overall growth performance data shows significant results.
 Protease supplementation enhances the CP digestibility in 19 % diets compared to 21 % and 17 % CP diets.
 The supplementation of protease enzyme improves the villus height and crypt depth: villus height in broilers.
SUGGESTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
 Future researchers can further evaluate the subsequent effects of the protease on growth performance and immune response in broilers.
 In future the research can be conducted to determine the effect of protease on energy digestibility and immune response in broilers.