Multiprotease improves amino acid release in vitro, energy, and nutrient utilization in broilers fed diets varying in crude protein levels.

Low crude protein (CP) diets can reduce nitrogen (N) excretion and costs by increasing N utilization efficiency. Exogenous proteases may further improve protein digestibility in low CP diets. This study first evaluated in vitro the efficacy of a multiprotease on amino acid (AA) release from feedstuffs and broiler feed. Later, a broiler study evaluated the effect of feeding corn-soybean meal diets containing 3 CP levels (17, 19, and 21% CP) with supplementation on top of 0 or 2,400 U/kg multiprotease on chicken growth performance, total tract CP, and ileal AA digestibilities, and energy utilization. Ross 708 male chickens were placed in 42 cages and assigned to 6 treatments resulting from a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement. Three isocaloric basal diets were formulated to reduce CP, but all diets maintained digestible Lys:CP in 5.47% and the same ideal protein profile. Data were analyzed in a completely randomized design. On average, the multiprotease increased (P < 0.05) in vitro free AA release by 27.81% in most feedstuffs evaluated compared to the control. For broiler feed, 1,200 U/g multiprotease addition improved (P < 0.001) in vitro free AA release by 18.90%. This multiprotease showed interaction effects (P < 0.05) on chicken FCR, energy, and CP digestibility. As expected, BW at 24 d, BW gain, and FCR (8-24 d) worsened (P < 0.001) as dietary CP reduced from 21 to 17%, and multiprotease addition did not improve (P > 0.05) these parameters. BW gain decreased by 12.9% when N intake was reduced from 49.32 to 38.49 g/bird. Multiprotease supplementation improved (P < 0.01) AMEn by 71 kcal/kg, CP digestibility from 59.45 to 63.51%, ileal AA digestibility, and DM digestibility from 67.08 to 73.49%, but only in the 21% CP diet. No differences in ileal AA digestibility due to CP level (P > 0.05) were detected, except for Cys digestibility (P < 0.01). In conclusion, low CP diets reduced growth performance and improved N utilization but negatively affected energy utilization efficiency. Exogenous multiprotease supplementation improved AME, AMEn, protein, ileal AA, and DM digestibility in the 21% CP diet without significantly affecting growth performance.

Enzimas exógenas na dieta de leitões desmamados / Exogenous enzymes in the diet of weaned piglets

O desmame é caracterizado como o período mais crítico da produção de suínos devido à imaturidade digestiva e à baixa concentração de enzimas digestivas, como carboidrases, proteases e fitases, nas primeiras semanas do pós-desmame, o que ocasiona o baixo desempenho dos leitões. Neste caso, há a necessidade de suplementação exógena de enzimas que atuam na degradação de frações do alimento, aumentando o aproveitamento da dieta. A nutrição enzimática exógena tem sido considerada uma alternativa eficaz frente à baixa concentração de enzimas endógenas nas primeiras semanas após o desmame por contribuir para o aumento na digestibilidade das dietas sólidas e, deste modo, para um maior aproveitamento dos ingredientes. Na nutrição de suínos, as enzimas exógenas mais utilizadas são as carboidrases, as proteases e as fitases. Ademais, a utilização de blends enzimáticos também é considerada uma ótima alternativa, pois contribui para a inibição de fatores antinutricionais, os quais são responsáveis por indisponibilizar nutrientes necessários para o desenvolvimento e desempenho dos animais. Diante do exposto, o objetivo deste estudo foi apresentar as principais enzimas exógenas utilizadas na nutrição de leitões desmamados, bem como seus efeitos no desempenho animal.

Weaning is characterized as the most critical period in swine production due to digestive immaturity and low concentration of digestive enzymes, such as carbohydrases, proteases, and phytases, in the first weeks after weaning, which causes poor performance of piglets. In this case, there is the need for exogenous supplementation of enzymes that act on the degradation of food fractions, increasing diet utilization. Exogenous enzyme nutrition has been considered an effective alternative to the low concentration of endogenous enzymes in the first weeks after weaning, as it contributes to an increase in the digestibility of solid diets and, consequently, greater use of the ingredients. In swine nutrition, the most used exogenous enzymes are carbohydrases, proteases, and phytases. Furthermore, the use of enzymatic blends is also considered a great alternative, as they contribute to the inhibition of anti-nutritional factors, which are responsible for making nutrients necessary for the development and performance of animals unavailable. Therefore, this study aimed to present the main exogenous enzymes used in the nutrition of weaned piglets, as well as their effects on animal performance.

Protease em dietas com baixa proteína contendo farinha de Penas para codornas de corte / [Protease in low-protein diets for meat-type quails containing feather meal]

Objetivou-se avaliar a suplementação de protease em dietas com baixa proteína contendo farinha de penas (FP) sobre o desempenho e o rendimento de carcaça de codornas de corte. Foram utilizadas 240 codornas, machos, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 2x 3 (com e sem protease x 3 níveis de FP (0%, 5% e 10%)), totalizando seis tratamentos (dieta reduzida (DR) em 8% da exigência de proteína bruta e aminoácidos + 0% FP; DR + 5% FP; DR + 10% FP; DR + 0% FP + protease; DR + 5% FP + protease e DR + 10% FP + protease), quatro repetições de 10 codornas por parcela, nas fases de oito-21 dias e oito-35 dias de idade. Observou-se interação (P≤0,05) entre os níveis de FP e protease no ganho de peso de oito-21 dias. Os níveis de FP influenciaram (P≤0,05) o consumo de ração e o ganho de peso de oito-21 e oito-35 e a conversão alimentar de oito-21 dias. Verificou-se interação (P≤0,05) entre aprotease e a inclusão de FPpara o peso corporalaos 35 dias. Conclui-se que aFP pode ser utilizada em até 5% em dietas para codornas de corte semsuplementação comprotease.(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate protease supplementation in low-protein diets containing feather meal (FP) on the performance and carcass yield of meat-type quails. Twenty male quails were used in a completely randomized design, in a 2 x 3 factorial scheme (with and without protease x 3 FP levels (0, 5 and 10%)), totaling six treatments (Reduced diet (RD) in 8 % of the requirement of crude protein and amino acids + 0% FP; RD + 5% FP; RD + 10% FP; RD + 0% FP + protease; RD + 5% FP + protease and RD + 10% FP + protease), four replicates of 10 quails per plot, in the phases of 8-21 days and 8-35 days of age. Interaction (P≤0.05) was observed between FP and protease levels on weight gain over the period of 8-21 days. The levels of FP influenced (P≤0.05) the feed intake and the weight gain of 8-21 and 8-35 and the feed conversion ratio of 8-21 days. There was interaction (P≤0.05) between protease supplementation and FP inclusion for body weight at 35 days. It is concluded that FP can be used up to 5% in diets for meat-type quails without protease supplementation.(AU)

Protease em dietas com baixa proteína contendo farinha de Penas para codornas de corte / [Protease in low-protein diets for meat-type quails containing feather meal]

Objetivou-se avaliar a suplementação de protease em dietas com baixa proteína contendo farinha de penas (FP) sobre o desempenho e o rendimento de carcaça de codornas de corte. Foram utilizadas 240 codornas, machos, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 2x 3 (com e sem protease x 3 níveis de FP (0%, 5% e 10%)), totalizando seis tratamentos (dieta reduzida (DR) em 8% da exigência de proteína bruta e aminoácidos + 0% FP; DR + 5% FP; DR + 10% FP; DR + 0% FP + protease; DR + 5% FP + protease e DR + 10% FP + protease), quatro repetições de 10 codornas por parcela, nas fases de oito-21 dias e oito-35 dias de idade. Observou-se interação (P≤0,05) entre os níveis de FP e protease no ganho de peso de oito-21 dias. Os níveis de FP influenciaram (P≤0,05) o consumo de ração e o ganho de peso de oito-21 e oito-35 e a conversão alimentar de oito-21 dias. Verificou-se interação (P≤0,05) entre aprotease e a inclusão de FPpara o peso corporalaos 35 dias. Conclui-se que aFP pode ser utilizada em até 5% em dietas para codornas de corte semsuplementação comprotease.(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate protease supplementation in low-protein diets containing feather meal (FP) on the performance and carcass yield of meat-type quails. Twenty male quails were used in a completely randomized design, in a 2 x 3 factorial scheme (with and without protease x 3 FP levels (0, 5 and 10%)), totaling six treatments (Reduced diet (RD) in 8 % of the requirement of crude protein and amino acids + 0% FP; RD + 5% FP; RD + 10% FP; RD + 0% FP + protease; RD + 5% FP + protease and RD + 10% FP + protease), four replicates of 10 quails per plot, in the phases of 8-21 days and 8-35 days of age. Interaction (P≤0.05) was observed between FP and protease levels on weight gain over the period of 8-21 days. The levels of FP influenced (P≤0.05) the feed intake and the weight gain of 8-21 and 8-35 and the feed conversion ratio of 8-21 days. There was interaction (P≤0.05) between protease supplementation and FP inclusion for body weight at 35 days. It is concluded that FP can be used up to 5% in diets for meat-type quails without protease supplementation.(AU)

The potential of plant and fungal proteins in the control of gastrointestinal nematodes from animals.

Gastrointestinal nematode infection is an important cause of high economic losses in livestock production. Nematode control based on a synthetic chemical approach is considered unsustainable due to the increasing incidence of anthelmintic resistance. Control alternatives such as the use of natural products are therefore becoming relevant from an environmental and economic point of view. Proteins are macromolecules with various properties that can be obtained from a wide range of organisms, including plants and fungi. Proteins belonging to different classes have shown great potential for the control of nematodes. The action of proteins can occur at specific stages of the nematode life cycle, depending on the composition of the external layers of the nematode body and the active site of the protein. Advances in biotechnology have resulted in the emergence of numerous protein and peptide therapeutics; however, few have been discussed with a focus on the control of animal nematodes. Here, we discuss the use of exogenous proteins and peptides in the control of gastrointestinal.

The potential of plant and fungal proteins in the control of gastrointestinal nematodes from animals / Potencial de proteínas de plantas e fungos no controle de nematoides gastrintestinais de animais

Abstract Gastrointestinal nematode infection is an important cause of high economic losses in livestock production. Nematode control based on a synthetic chemical approach is considered unsustainable due to the increasing incidence of anthelmintic resistance. Control alternatives such as the use of natural products are therefore becoming relevant from an environmental and economic point of view. Proteins are macromolecules with various properties that can be obtained from a wide range of organisms, including plants and fungi. Proteins belonging to different classes have shown great potential for the control of nematodes. The action of proteins can occur at specific stages of the nematode life cycle, depending on the composition of the external layers of the nematode body and the active site of the protein. Advances in biotechnology have resulted in the emergence of numerous protein and peptide therapeutics; however, few have been discussed with a focus on the control of animal nematodes. Here, we discuss the use of exogenous proteins and peptides in the control of gastrointestinal.

Resumo A infecção por nematoides gastrintestinais é uma importante causa de grandes perdas econômicas na pecuária. O controle de nematoides com compostos químicos sintéticos é considerado insustentável devido ao aumento da resistência anti-helmíntica. Alternativas de controle, como o uso de produtos naturais, estão se tornando relevantes do ponto de vista ambiental e econômico. As proteínas são macromoléculas com várias propriedades que podem ser obtidas de uma ampla gama de organismos, incluindo plantas e fungos. Proteínas pertencentes a diferentes classes têm mostrado grande potencial para o controle de nematoides. A ação das proteínas pode ocorrer em estágios específicos do ciclo de vida do nematoide, dependendo da composição das camadas externas do parasito e do sítio ativo da proteína. Avanços na biotecnologia resultaram no surgimento de numerosas terapias de proteínas e peptídeos; no entanto, pouco foi discutido com foco no controle de nematoides parasitos de animais. Na presente revisão foi discutido o uso de proteínas exógenas e peptídeos no controle de nematoides gastrintestinais, os mecanismos sugeridos de ação, e os desafios e perspectivas para o uso dessas biomoléculas como uma classe de anti-helmínticos.

Effects of adding dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) to dog diets supplemented with xylanase and protease

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of including 200 g kg −1 dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) to xylanase- and protease-supplemented diets for dogs on kibble properties, digestibility, fecal characteristics, and palatability. Experimental diets consisted of: 0 g kg −1 DDGS without enzymes (0WE), 0 g kg −1 DDGS with xylanase and protease (0XP), 200 g kg −1 DDGS without enzymes (200WE), 200 g kg −1 DDGS with xylanase (200X), 200 g kg −1 DDGS with protease (200P), and 200 g kg −1 DDGS with xylanase and protease (200XP). Kibbles were evaluated for density, extruded size, expansion index, hardness, and uniformity. Six beagle dogs were distributed in a 6×6 Latin square design for analysis of digestibility and fecal characteristics. A palatability assay was also conducted in 16 beagle dogs, comparing the following treatment groups: 0WE vs. 200WE and 0XP vs. 200XP. The results showed that DDGS inclusion had no influence on kibble physical properties and reduced digestibility of dry matter (DM), ether extract after acid hydrolysis, gross energy, and organic matter, regardless of enzyme addition. Moreover, dietary addition of DDGS reduced fecal pH and increased total short-chain fatty acid, acetate, and propionate productions. Fecal odor was increased in dogs fed diets containing DDGS. Regarding palatability, animals preferred diets supplemented with enzymes and without DDGS, and no difference was observed when comparing 0WE and 200WE diets. No changes in the physical properties of kibbles were caused by DDGS inclusion; therefore, it can be used in diet formulation without interfering with the industrial process. Increased production of SCFA and a possible modulation of digestive tract microbiota promoted by DDGS addition may benefit animals. However, at the tested levels, enzymes had no positive effects on diet digestibility. Despite reducing digestibility, DDGS can still be included without enzyme supplementation in low-cost diets for dogs, as nutrient digestibility of the diet remains within acceptable limits for some pet food categories.(AU)

Growth performance and intestinal health of broilers fed a standard or low-protein diet with the addition of a protease

We evaluated the effects of a protease supplementation on the growth performance and intestinal health of broilers. Cobb chicks (392; 1-42 d) were divided into four treatments (seven replicates of 14 birds each). There were two feed formulations: a standard diet (SD) and a low crude protein and digestible amino acids diet (Low CP&AA). The two diets were either supplemented (+P) or not (−P) with a protease (Jefo Protease; 1.25 g kg−1). Performance was evaluated by feeding phases (1-7, 8-21, 21-35, and 35-42 d). On day 28, ileum samples were analyzed by a morphometric index for histological alterations (I See Inside Scoring System ­ ISI). Broilers fed the Low CP&AA had a poor feed conversion ratio (FCR); however, the addition of the protease to the Low CP&AA positively affected FCR and body weight gain and promoted a performance similar to the group fed SD−P. Birds fed diets supplemented with the protease presented the best ISI morphological index, mainly as a result of the low number of alterations regarding the lamina propria, epithelial thickness, and enterocyte proliferation. It is possible to conclude that the enzyme improves feed conversion and lamina propria, epithelial thickness, and proliferation of enterocytes index of broiler chickens when added to a standard diet or with a low crude protein and digestible amino acids diet.(AU)

Eficacia y seguridad de esquemas combinados de antivirales de acción directa para el tratamiento de infección crónica por el virus de hepatitis C / Efficacy and safety of combined direct-acting antiviral regimens for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus infection

INTRODUCCIÓN: Antecedentes: El presente dictamen expone la evidencia de la eficacia y seguridad del iso de esquemas combinados de antivirales de acción directa (DAA) para el tratamiento de la infección crónica por el virus de la hepatitis C (VHC), presentada en el Reporte de Evidencia Número 1 "Recomendaciones para el tratamiento de la infección crónica por hepatitis C". Aspectos Generales: La infección crónica por el VHC continúa siendo un problema de salud pública, registrándose anualmente más de 185 millones de casos a nivel mundial de los cuales aproximadamente 704,000 pacientes fallecen por las complicaciones asociadas. Tecnología Sanitaria de Interés: Ombitasvir, Paritaprevir, y Ritonavir + Dasabuvir: Ombitasvir, Paritaprevir, y Ritonavir + Dasabuvir, combina tres DAAs con ritonavir que no es activo contra la HCV, sino que es un inhibidor de CYP3A por lo que aumenta las concentraciones plasmáticas de paritaprevir que a su vez es un inhibidor de proteasa NS3/4a necessario para la repicación del VHC. Ombitasvir es un inhibidor NS5A, que es esencial para la replicación del RNA del virus y el ensamblaje del virión y dasabuvir es un inhibidor de polimerasa no-nucleósido NS5B, que es esencial para la replicación viral. METODOLOGÍA: La metodología utilizada para la búsqueda y análisis de evidencia se detalla en el Reporte de Evidencia Número 1: "Recomendaciones para el tratamiento de la Infección Crónica por Hepatitis C". Adicionalmente, en el presente dictamen preliminar, se extienden algunos aspectos de la evidencia complementando lo presentado en dicho Reporte de Evidencia. RESULTADOS: Sinopsis de la Evidencia: Se llevó a cabo una búsqueda de evidencia científica relacionada al tratamiento de la Hepatitis C. CONCLUSIONES: El Instituto de Evaluación de Tecnologías en Salud e Investigación-IETSI aprueba el uso fuera del petitorio de Ombitasvir/Paritaprevir/Ritonavir/Dasabuvir +- ribavirina; daclatasvir;sofosbuvir; y ledipasvir/sofosbuvir, de acuerdo a los descrito en el Reporte de Evidencia número 1: "Recomendaciones para el tratamiento de la infección crónica por hepatitis C.

Antiangiogenesis, loss of cell adhesion and apoptosis are involved in the antitumoral activity of Proteases from V. cundinamarcensis (C. candamarcensis) in murine melanoma B16F1.

The proteolytic enzymes from V. cundinamarcensis latex, (P1G10), display healing activity in animal models following various types of lesions. P1G10 or the purified isoforms act as mitogens on fibroblast and epithelial cells by stimulating angiogenesis and wound healing in gastric and cutaneous ulcers models. Based on evidence that plant proteinases act as antitumorals, we verified this effect on a murine melanoma model. The antitumoral effect analyzed mice survival and tumor development after subcutaneous administration of P1G10 into C57BL/6J mice bearing B16F1 low metastatic melanoma. Possible factors involved in the antitumoral action were assessed, i.e., cytotoxicity, cell adhesion and apoptosis in vitro, haemoglobin (Hb), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), tumor growth factor-ß (TGF-ß), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) content and N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAG) activity. We observed that P1G10 inhibited angiogenesis measured by the decline of Hb and VEGF within the tumor, and TGF-ß displayed a non-significant increase and TNF-α showed a minor non-significant reduction. On the other hand, there was an increase in NAG activity. In treated B16F1 cells, apoptosis was induced along with decreased cell binding to extracellular matrix components (ECM) and anchorage, without impairing viability.

Efeito da protease sobre o coeficiente de metabolizabilidade dos nutrientes em frangos de corte / Effect of protease on the metabolization coefficient of nutrients in broilers

Avaliaram-se os efeitos da protease sobre o coeficiente de metabolizabilidade dos nutrientes em dietas contendo farinha de penas (2,0% na fase inicial e 3,0% na fase de crescimento) para frangos de corte machos, Cobb(r), de um a 32 dias de idade. Foram alojadas 336 aves em gaiolas metálicas equipadas com bandeja para coleta total de excretas. Foi utilizado delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, em arranjo fatorial 2x2 (com e sem adição da enzima protease 0,05% e duas valorizações da matriz nutricional da enzima), sendo sete repetições por tratamento, de 12 aves cada. Observou-se, na fase inicial, maior CMPB (P≤0,05) para as aves que, independentemente da adição de protease, consumiram ração com valorização da matriz nutricional da enzima. Não houve efeito dos tratamentos sobre o CMMS e o CMEE (P>0,05). Na fase de crescimento, houve interação entre os tratamentos para as variáveis CMPB e CMEE. Os frangos alimentados com dieta valorizada sem adição de enzima (controle negativo) apresentaram melhores resultados (P≤0,05) para CMPB e CMEE. Nos tratamentos com enzima, o melhor CMEE (P≤0,05) foi obtido com o tratamento sem valorização da matriz nutricional (over the top). Conclui-se que níveis reduzidos e enzima sem valorização melhoram os coeficientes de metabolizabilidade dos nutrientes na fase adulta de frangos de corte.(AU)

This experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of protease on metabolization coefficient of nutrients, performance and slaughter yield from male Cobb(r) broilers fed diets with feather meal. Two experiments were carried out in a completely randomized design in a 2x2 factorial arrangement - with (0.05%) or without enzyme addition x considering or not the improvement of the nutritional value by protease, with seven replicates per treatment group. In experiment 1 the metabolization coefficient of dry matter (MCDM), crude protein (MCCP) and ether extract (MCEE) in initial (9-12-d-old) and growth (29-32-d-old) phase was evaluated. In the initial phase it was observed that regardless of enzyme addition, broiler chickens fed a diet considering improvement in nutritional value had higher MCCP (P≤0.05). However, MCDM and MCEE were not affected (P>0.05). In the growth phase, there were interactions between treatments for the variables MCCP and MCEE. The birds fed diets considering the improvement in nutritional value without enzyme (negative control) showed better results (P≤0.05) for MCCP and MCEE. In the treatments with enzyme, the best MCEE (P≤0.05) was observed in the treatment not considering the improvement in the nutritional value (over the top). Therefore, considering the improvement in the nutritional value and enzyme without considering the improvement in the nutritional value improves the coefficients of metabolization of nutrients in broiler chickens.(AU)

Study of a novel pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy in pancreatic insufficient subjects with cystic fibrosis.

OBJECTIVES: We studied a novel pancreatic enzyme product, ALTU-135, a proprietary formulation of microbially derived lipase, protease, and amylase, to determine its efficacy and safety in treatment of pancreatic insufficiency (PI) in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). STUDY DESIGN: Ambulatory subjects with CF-PI (n = 117) had baseline coefficient of fat and nitrogen absorption (CFA and CNA, respectively) determined in an inpatient setting while not receiving pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy. Subjects were then randomized to treatment with ALTU-135 containing 5000 (low), 25,000 (mid), or 100,000 (highest) units of lipase (1:1:0.15 of lipase:protease:amylase) for 28 days. After 14 days, CFA and CNA were re-measured. The primary outcomes were change from baseline in CFA and CNA between treatments. RESULTS: Treatment CFA was significantly greater in the mid and highest dose groups compared with that in the low dose group (P = .0229 and P =.0041, respectively); findings were similar for CNA. Subjects with baseline CFA < or = 40% and > 40% in the 2 higher dose groups had a mean increase of 31 and 8 percentage points in CFA, respectively (P < .0001). CONCLUSION: ALTU-135 was efficacious during the 1-month study period at the dose of 25,000 units of lipase, 25,000 units of protease, and 3750 units of amylase.

Combining unprotected pancreatic enzymes with pH-sensitive enteric-coated microspheres does not improve nutrient digestion in patients with cystic fibrosis.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy of combining unprotected powder enzymes and oral enteric-coated microsphere (ECM) and to ECM alone in treating nutrient maldigestion in patients with cystic fibrosis. STUDY DESIGN: Patients were randomly assigned into 2 consecutive, 2-week phases; ECM alone, and ECM plus unprotected powder enzymes. Fecal fat, energy, and nitrogen output were compared with intake at the end of each phase. Two-tailed, paired t tests were performed to compare outcomes. RESULTS: The mean age of the 14 patients (3 girls) was 5.7 +/- 3.2 years (range, 1.9 to 13.4 years). There was no significant difference in percent malabsorption of fat (15.6% vs 18.2%), energy (13.3% vs 13.4%), or nitrogen (11.8% vs 11.3%) between phases. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of powder enzymes to ECM did not improve nutrient maldigestion compared with ECM alone.

Effect of early feed restriction and enzyme supplementation on digestive enzyme activities in broilers.

The effect of feed restriction and enzymatic supplementation on intestinal and pancreatic enzyme activities and weight gain was studied in broiler chickens. Quantitative feed restriction was applied to chickens from 7 to 14 d of age. An enzyme complex mainly consisting of protease and amylase was added to the chicken ration from hatching to the end of the experiment. Birds subjected to feed restriction whose diet was not supplemented showed an increase in sucrase, amylase, and lipase activities immediately after the restriction period. Amylase, lipase, and chymotrypsin activities were higher in chickens subjected to feed restriction and fed a supplemented diet than in those only subjected to feed restriction. Trypsin activity increased after feed restriction and after supplementation, but there was no interaction between these effects. Early feed restriction had no effect on enzyme activity in 42-d-old chickens. Chickens subjected to early restriction and fed the supplemented diet presented higher sucrase, maltase, and lipase activities than nonsupplemented ones (P < 0.05). There was no effect of early feed restriction or diet supplementation on weight gain to 42 d. Percentage weight gain from 14 to 42 d of age was equivalent in feed-restricted and ad libitum fed birds. Feed-restricted broilers fed a supplemented diet showed a higher percentage weight gain than nonsupplemented birds. We conclude that enzymatic supplementation potentiates the effect of feed restriction on digestive enzyme activity and on weight gain.