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

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. 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 -Irradiation treatment was performed to achieve low molecular weight β-glucan (L: 8 kDa). 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