Optimizing growth: Impact of Pellet Binder and Protease-Enriched Drinking Water on the Performance of IPB-D1 Chickens

Abstract

Pellet quality is a critical factor influencing growth performance in poultry production. The use of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as a pellet binder, in combination with protease enzyme supplementation in drinking water, may enhance nutrient utilization and digestive efficiency. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of varying CMC viscosities in pelleted feed and protease enzyme supplementation in drinking water on the performance of IPB-D1 chickens. A total of 250 day-old chicks were randomly allocated to five dietary treatments in a completely randomized design with five replicates per treatment. The treatments included: T1 (control feed), T2 (pelleted feed with 0.5% CMC, viscosity 1000–2500 cps), T3 (T2 + 10 mg/L protease enzyme), T4 (pelleted feed with 0.5% CMC, viscosity 2500–4000 cps), and T5 (T4 + 10 mg/L protease enzyme). Performance parameters assessed were feed intake, water intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and mortality. The results demonstrated that CMC with higher viscosity (2500–4000 cps) significantly improved body weight gain and FCR. All measured performance parameters remained within the physiological norms, indicating that the inclusion of functional feed additives such as CMC binders and protease enzymes can effectively enhance the productive performance of IPB-D1 chickens.