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Phytase improves iron bioavailability for hemoglobin synthesis in young pigs
C H Stahl1, Y M Han, K R Roneker
1Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
Journal of Animal Science
|August 26, 1999
Summary
Dietary phytase effectively releases iron from phytate in pig diets, improving iron bioavailability for anemic pigs. Phytase supplementation offers similar benefits to supplemental iron for hemoglobin repletion and growth.
Area of Science:
- Animal Nutrition
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Swine Physiology
Background:
- Dietary phytase enhances mineral bioavailability (P, Ca, Zn) in pigs.
- The impact of phytase on iron (Fe) utilization remains unclear.
- Phytate in plant-based diets can bind essential minerals, reducing their absorption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate phytase efficacy in releasing Fe and P from soybean meal in vitro.
- To assess phytase's role in improving dietary Fe bioavailability for hemoglobin repletion in anemic pigs.
Main Methods:
- In vitro incubation of soybean meal with varying phytase doses to measure released Fe and P.
- In vivo studies using anemic young pigs fed phytate-rich diets with or without Fe or phytase supplementation.
- Hemoglobin, packed cell volume, and growth performance were monitored in supplemented pigs.
Main Results:
- Phytase dose-dependently increased free P and, at high doses, free Fe in vitro.
- Dietary phytase supplementation significantly improved hemoglobin and packed cell volumes in anemic pigs.
- Phytase's effects on hemoglobin, packed cell volume, and growth were comparable to supplemental Fe.
Conclusions:
- Phytase effectively degrades phytate in corn-soy diets, releasing bound Fe.
- Phytase supplementation enhances Fe bioavailability for hemoglobin repletion in young, anemic pigs.
- Phytase represents a viable alternative to inorganic Fe supplementation for improving Fe status.