Exocrine function of the pancreas in laying hens fed diets supplemented with synthetic amino acids

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a low-protein diet balanced with synthetic limiting amino acids on exocrine pancreatic function in laying hens. The study was conducted on Hisex White laying hens aged 40 weeks and older with chronic duodenal fistulas. Each group consisted of six birds. The control group received a complete feed, while the experimental group received an experimental low-protein wheat-based diet balanced with synthetic amino acids. Duodenal chyme samples were collected on an empty stomach, as well as 1 and 2 hours after feeding. One hour after feeding, trypsin activity in the duodenal chyme of laying hens in the experimental group exceeded the control group by 38.2% (p<0.05). No significant intergroup differences were found in the fasting state or 2 hours after feeding. After feeding, an increase in trypsin activity was observed in the duodenal chyme of laying hens of both groups compared to the initial level, but after 2 hours, a decrease was observed in the chyme of birds in the experimental group compared to 1 hour after feeding. Blood morphological parameters did not differ between the control and experimental groups. Biochemical analysis of blood of birds in the experimental group revealed an increase in alkaline phosphatase activity, a decrease in the level of triglycerides and ionized calcium (p<0.05). The obtained results show that the use of a lowprotein diet balanced with synthetic amino acids alters the dynamics of postprandial enzymatic activity of the pancreas and reflects the adaptation of the digestive system to the altered amino acid profile of the diet.