The present study was conducted to evaluate two dietary fiber sources
(sunflower meal and berssem hay), three dietary cru-de fiber (CF) levels (2.5, 7 and 9
%). Each dietary fiber level was supplemented with or without Kemzyme H.F. A total
number of 480 unsexed day-old Ross broiler chicks were divided into 12 treatments of
40 chicks each in two replicates (20 chicks each). Diets were formulated to contain 20
% CP and 3000 Kcal ME IKg (starter) and 18 % CP and 3100 Kcal ME IKg (finisher).
Body weight, feed conversion, carcass characteristics and some blood constituents
were measured. Increasing CF level from 2.5 to 70r 9 % significantly (P<0.01) reduced body
weight and economical efficiency (E. E.). However, feed intake and feed conversion'
increased at 7 weeks of age. Also, feed conversion increased at 4 weeks of age.
However, supplementation of enzyme preparations improved body weight and feed
conversion at 4 and 7 weeks of age. Performance of chicks fed sunflower meal was
significantly (P<0.01) higher than those fed berssem hay. Carcass characteristics and
blood constituents were not affected by dietary fiber sources, dietary fiber levels or
enzyme supplementation. Using berssem hay decreased economical efficiency
compared to sunflower diets. " n conclusions using high level of dietary fiber from sunflower meal had no
negative impact on body weight or feed conversion, .however a significant (P<0.01)
decrease in body weight and feed conversion were observed using high dietary fiber
fromberssem hay.