Improving Phytase Phosphorus Utilization

A series of experiments were conducted to determine if citric acid improves phytase phosphorus utilization in commercial boiler chicks fed a phosphorus-deficient corn-soybean meal diet. Chick weight gain and tibia ash were significantly increased by the addition of three percent citric acid to the diet. In one experiment, tibia ash increased linearly when graded levels (0, 1, 2, 3, and 4%) of citric acid were added to the diet containing 0.18 percent nonphytate phosphorus. The researchers concluded that citric acid markedly improved phytate phosphorus utilization in broiler chicks.

Rafacz Livongston, K.A. and co-workers. 2005. Citric acid improves phytate phosphorus utilization in crossbred and commercial broiler chicks. Poultry Sci. 84(9): 1370-1375.