Superdosing phytase reduces real-time gastric pH in broilers and weaned piglets.

Area of Science:

• Animal Nutrition
• Digestive Physiology

Background:

• Phytase supplementation is common in animal diets to improve phosphorus availability.
• Understanding phytase's effect on gastric pH is crucial for optimizing nutrient digestibility and animal performance.
• Dietary phase changes can significantly impact gastric pH and nutrient utilization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of high phytase doses on growth performance and gastric pH in broiler chickens and pigs.
• To evaluate the efficacy of real-time gastric pH measurements using Heidelberg pH capsules.
• To determine the optimal phytase dosage for modulating gastric pH and improving animal performance.

Main Methods:

• Two experiments were conducted with broiler chickens (576) and pigs (64), fed diets with varying phytase levels (0-2500 FTU/kg).
• Heidelberg pH capsules were used for real-time gastric pH monitoring in both species.
• Growth performance parameters and feed conversion ratios were recorded throughout the study.

Main Results:

• Phytase supplementation did not significantly affect broiler performance but showed a trend towards improved feed conversion in pigs.
• Phytase at 500-1500 FTU/kg increased broiler gizzard pH; 2500 FTU/kg lowered it.
• Pigs supplemented with 2500 FTU/kg phytase maintained gastric pH during dietary phase changes, unlike controls.

Conclusions:

• High phytase doses can modulate gastric pH in broiler chickens and pigs.
• Real-time pH capsule technology is a valuable tool for assessing phytase dose-response effects on gastric pH.
• Phytase supplementation may enhance gastric pH stability during critical feeding phases in pigs.