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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 22 November 2017
Enzymes and probiotics are often used in feeding of poultry in intensive rearing systems. Beneficial effects of probiotics were observed in toxin neutralization, prevention of development and multiplication of specific bacteria, change in microbial metabolism and immunity stimulation. Administration of useful microorganisms as probiotic into diet usually cause enhancement of organic acids production such as lactic acid that in turn can reduce gastrointestinal pH and subsequent prevention of pathogen microorganisms such as salmonella to colonize the alimentary tract(Fuller, 1992). Exogenous enzymes have been shown to alleviate the adverse effects of high viscosity of digesta in the small intestine and to improve digestion (Petersen et al. 1999). Pervious studies demonstrate that simultaneously using probiotics and enzymes in broiler diets, improve their growth performance (Midili, and Tuncer, 2001). The objective of the present study was to examine the influence of probiotic (protexin) and enzyme (Natozyme) supplementation on the performance of broilers fed diets containing wheat.