Eight nests of two squabs were weaned at 24 days then housed in individual
cages. A squab of each nest received a commercial feed for racing pigeons,
the other group received the same feed but supplemented with xylanase, beta
-glucanase, pectinase and hemicellulase. No difference in body weight was o
bserved between groups. Despite reed restriction, intake was higher for enz
yme-supplemented diet. When related to feed intake, excreta were lower by 1
1% for enzyme-supplemented diet. Enzyme addition improved dry matter, organ
ic matter, protein, energy and fibre retention. These results may show that
pigeons are more sensitive to enzymes than common poultry.