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Improvement of phosphorus availability by microbial phytase in broilers and pigs.
P C Simons1, H A Versteegh, A W Jongbloed
1Spelderholt Centre for Poultry Research and Information Services, Beekbergen, The Netherlands.
The British Journal of Nutrition
|September 1, 1990
Summary
Microbial phytase enhances phosphorus availability in animal feed, improving nutrient absorption and reducing waste. This enzyme addition benefits simple-stomached animals like broilers and pigs.
Area of Science:
- Animal Nutrition
- Enzymology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Phytate-P in plant-based feed ingredients is poorly digestible by simple-stomached animals.
- Low phosphorus (P) availability impacts animal growth and increases environmental P pollution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate microbial phytase for improving phosphorus utilization in animal diets.
- To assess the impact of microbial phytase on nutrient availability and animal performance.
Main Methods:
- Production of microbial phytase with specific pH activity optima.
- In vitro degradation of phytate in common feed ingredients (soybean meal, maize).
- Inclusion of microbial phytase in low-P diets for broilers and growing pigs.
Main Results:
- Microbial phytase demonstrated activity at pH optima of 5.5 and 2.5.
- In vitro phytate degradation was confirmed in feed matrices.
- Broiler diets with microbial phytase showed >60% P availability and 50% less P in droppings.
- Pig diets supplemented with microbial phytase increased apparent P absorbability by 24% and reduced fecal P by 35%.
Conclusions:
- Microbial phytase effectively improves phosphorus availability from phytate in plant sources.
- Supplementation with microbial phytase enhances animal growth and feed conversion while reducing phosphorus excretion.
- The developed microbial phytase is a viable tool for sustainable animal nutrition.