Abstract

The study aimed to investigate the effects of exogenous digestive enzymes supplement on the activity of endogenous digestive enzymes and the histomorphology of the intestinal mucosa in growing rabbits. Two groups of growing rabbits (n=10 / each) were used, control and supplemented groups. Animals of supplemented group were given 1 % Kemzyme mixed in the ration for 8 successive weeks. Results revealed (1) significant increase in the final body weight and blood levels of glucose, total lipids and total protein, (2) significant increase in the activities of amylase, lipase and protease of serum, pancreatic tissues and intestinal contents, and (3) significant improvement in the villus length and crypt depth of the intestinal mucosa. Conclusively, it was obvious that the higher growth rate in kemzyme-supplemented rabbits was associated with improved digestive enzymatic activities and intestinal morphology. Also, it seemed that the exogenous enzymes did not get affected by the endogenous proteolytic activity of the gastro intestinal tract.

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