Phytase Studies

Six pigs fitted with simple T-cannula in the terminal ileum were used to study the effects of microbial phytase on apparent total track digestibility and retention of phosphorus and nitrogen.  Three phosphorus adequate diets containing barley, soybean meal or a combination of barley and soybean meal, with and without 1000 FTU/kg phytase supplement was fed to pigs in a 6x6 Latin square designed experiment.  The additional of phytase significantly increased (P<0.05) apparent total phosphorus digestibility of the soybean meal treatment from 56.5 to 69.0% and the apparent soybean meal phosphorus digestibility from 41.3 to 60.5% phytase supplementation reduced (P<0.05) phosphorus excretion of the soybean meal diet by 25%.  The addition of phytase to the diet had no effect on nitrogen digestion or retention.  In all three diets, total track phosphorus digestion was lower (P<0.05) than ileal digestion thus indicating a next flux of phosphorus into the large intestine.

Patras, P. and co-workers.  Effect of microbial phytate on apparent digestibility and retention of phosphorus and nitrogen in growing pigs.  Czech J. Animal Sci. 51(10): 437-443.