Phosphorus Availability in Laying Hens Given Non-phytate Phosphorus Deficient Diets Containing Buckwheat

Area of Science:

• Animal Nutrition
• Poultry Science
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Phytase enzymes are crucial for improving phosphorus (P) utilization in animal diets.
• The efficacy of buckwheat phytase in laying hen nutrition has not been previously studied.
• Non-phytate phosphorus deficiency can negatively impact poultry production and egg quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of non-germinated buckwheat (BU) and germinated buckwheat (GBU) on the production performance, egg quality, and phosphorus balance in laying hens fed a phosphorus-deficient diet.
• To compare the efficacy of BU and GBU as sources of phytase activity.
• To determine the optimal inclusion level of BU and GBU for improving laying hen nutrition.

Main Methods:

• Fifty-six 46-week-old laying hens were assigned to eight dietary groups, including positive and negative controls, and diets supplemented with 10-20% BU or GBU for six weeks.
• Diets were formulated to be deficient in non-phytate phosphorus.
• Production performance (egg production, feed intake, egg weight, egg mass), egg quality (shell strength, weight, thickness), and phosphorus balance (retention and excretion) were measured.

Main Results:

• Laying hens fed diets supplemented with at least 15% BU or 10% GBU showed restored production performance and improved eggshell quality compared to the negative control.
• Total phosphorus retention significantly increased in groups fed 20% BU, 15% GBU, and 20% GBU, with decreased phosphorus excretion.
• Buckwheat phytase activity in the diet was found to be equivalent to 0.10% non-phytate phosphorus per 340 phytase units/kg.

Conclusions:

• Supplementation with non-germinated buckwheat or germinated buckwheat effectively alleviates phosphorus deficiency in laying hen diets.
• Buckwheat phytase enhances phosphorus availability and retention, leading to improved production performance and egg quality.
• Incorporating buckwheat into poultry diets presents a viable strategy to improve phosphorus utilization and reduce environmental phosphorus excretion.