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Rethinking the maximum inclusion levels of exogenous phytase for enhanced turkey production performance
Vasil R Pirgozliev1, Stephen C Mansbridge1, Isobel M Whiting1
1National Institute of Poultry Husbandry, Harper Adams University, Newport, UK.
Archives of Animal Nutrition
|May 18, 2026
Summary
Dietary phytase (PHY) supplementation significantly improved growth performance and nutrient utilization in turkeys, especially at doses of 1000 FTU/kg and above. High phytase levels demonstrated continued benefits beyond this dose, suggesting the optimal level was not reached.
Area of Science:
- Animal Nutrition
- Poultry Science
- Enzyme Technology
Background:
- Dietary phosphorus is crucial for turkey growth and bone development.
- Phytase enzymes can improve phosphorus availability and reduce anti-nutritional effects of phytate.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the dose-dependent effects of dietary phytase on growth performance, nutrient utilization, and phytate degradation in growing turkeys.
- To determine the optimal inclusion level of phytase for turkeys.
Main Methods:
- Six diets were formulated with varying phytase (PHY) levels (0-100,000 FTU/kg) using a negative control diet with reduced phosphorus.
- Seventy-two turkeys were fed experimental diets from 68 to 77 days of age, with performance and nutrient retention measured.
Main Results:
- Phytase supplementation at ≥1000 FTU/kg significantly improved feed intake, weight gain, dry matter retention, and AMEn compared to the negative control.
- Increasing phytase dose showed positive dose-dependent responses in growth, feed conversion, and nutrient retention.
- Excreta phytate degradation and mineral retention (Ca, Mg, Fe, K, Mn, Zn, P) increased significantly with higher phytase inclusion.
Conclusions:
- Dietary phytase effectively enhances growth performance and nutrient utilization in turkeys, similar to broilers.
- Inclusion levels of 1000 FTU/kg and higher are beneficial, with potential for further improvements at very high doses.
- The optimal phytase dose for growing turkeys may exceed the highest level tested in this study.
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