This study was carried out to compare the effects of feed processing (pelleted vs. mash) and enzyme supplementation (with and without 0.3g Grindazym GP 15000 /kg of wheat in complete diet) in a wheat-based diet on performance, gastrointestinal and carcass characteristics of broiler chicks to 36 d of age. Ross 308 straight-run broiler chicks (n = 336) were randomly allocated to 4 dietary treatments, each replicated 4 times (21 chicks per pen) in a completely randomized design in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangements. Measurements included body weight (BW), daily gain (DG), feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) at 20 and 36 d of ages. The relative weights of gastrointestinal organs to body weight were determined at 20 and 36 d of ages. The pH of ileum digesta content was also determined at 20 d of age. The results showed that the broiler chicks fed pelleted diets had significantly improved BW at 36 d of age, DG during 20 to 36 and 0 to 36 d of ages and FI during 0 to 20, 20 to 36 and 0 to 36 d growth period. Feed conversion ratio was significantly increased in pelleted fed treatment during 0–20 and 0 - 36 d growth period. Enzyme supplementation had significantly improved BW at 20 and 36 d of age, DG during 0–20, 20–36 and 0–36 d of ages, FI during 0 to 20 and 0 to 36 d of ages and FCR during 0–36 d of ages. The interaction between feed processing and enzyme supplementation was only significant on FCR during 20–36d. Neither feed processing nor enzyme supplementation had significant effects on ileum digesta pH measurements, carcass and gastrointestinal characteristics, except gizzard relative weight at 36 d of age. In conclusion, the results of this experiment confirmed the beneficial effects of both pelleting and feed enzyme supplementation on broiler chicks’ performance.
