Phytate in pig and poultry nutrition

Area of Science:

• Animal Nutrition
• Biochemistry
• Agricultural Science

Background:

• Phosphorus (P) in plant seeds is mainly phytate, poorly available to monogastric animals.
• Phytate chelates minerals (Ca, Fe, Zn) and hinders protein, starch, and lipid utilization.
• This leads to increased supplementation needs and nutrient excretion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review phytate's role in pig and poultry nutrition.
• To examine phytate degradation in the gut.
• To explore methods for enhancing P, mineral, and nutrient utilization.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on phytate, phytase, and nutrient bioavailability.
• Analysis of phytate hydrolysis by endogenous, microbial, and plant phytases.
• Evaluation of processing techniques (germination, soaking, fermentation) for phytate reduction.

Main Results:

• Exogenous microbial phytase supplementation is common to improve nutrient absorption.
• Plant phytase activity varies, affecting gastrointestinal hydrolysis.
• Processing techniques can activate natural phytases, but require further research.

Conclusions:

• Phytate significantly impacts nutrient availability in monogastric livestock.
• Exogenous phytase and feed processing are key strategies to improve P and mineral utilization.
• Further research into processing technologies is needed to optimize phytate management.