Nutritional implications and metabolizable energy value of D-xylose and L-arabinose in chicks.

An experiment was conducted to examine the effects of graded levels (2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0, and 15.0%) of dietary D-xylose or L-arabinose on chick performance. As reference, D-glucose was included in the experiment. A second experiment was performed to determine the AMEn of D-xylose and L-arabinose. Results of Experiment 1 showed a significant linear decrease (P less than .05) in weight gain and efficiency of feed utilization when the dietary level of either D-xylose or L-arabinose was increased. The same was true for daily feed intake of the D-xylose treatments. Water intake was linearly (P less than .05) increased as dietary level of both pentose sugars increased, and, as a result, dry matter content of the droppings decreased. Results of Experiment 2 showed that the AMEn value of either pentose sugar was dose related. The AMEn values for D-xylose at 5 and 10% dietary inclusion were 2,660 and 2,020 kcal/kg, respectively. Those for L-arabinose at these inclusion levels were 2,300 and 1,360 kcal/kg, respectively. Feeding equal dietary levels of either pentose sugar resulted in higher concentrations of xylose than of arabinose in blood plasma. Concentration of glucose in blood was not affected by feeding either D-xylose or L-arabinose. Cecal length and weight were markedly increased by feeding L-arabinose and intermediately by D-xylose.