Research conducted at the University of Arkansas, funded by Hamlet Protein, evaluated the deleterious effect of stachyose and raffinose in soybean meal on the performance and intestinal function of broiler chicks.
Dr. Alfred Blanch, Category Manager for Poultry at Hamlet Protein, noted “The studies showed a linear effect on the conversion rate of chicks.” Above a level of 1.2 percent for stachyose and raffinose combined, feed conversion efficiency was reduced mainly due to a lower growth rate compared to controls”.
Dr. Guillermo Tellez of the University of Arkansas noted that high levels of the two antinutritional factors in soybean meal affect intestinal permeability, increase fecal moisture, and stimulate an immune response. Chicks receiving levels of the antinutritional compounds at a level exceeding 1.2 percent showed higher heterophil to lymphocyte ratios in blood indicating an immunologic response correlated with stress.
Hamlet Protein will continue to sponsor research on intestinal function in monogastric species with an emphasis on the intestinal microbiome as it is influenced by antinutritional compounds in diets.
Hamlet Protein processes soybean meal using a patented enzymatic and heat process to enhance digestibility and to inactivate antinutritional compounds resulting in enhanced growth rate and feed conversion in starter chicks and poults.