Phytase Studies-Atlantic Salmon

A twelve-week experiment was conducted with Atlantic salmon to determine the separate and combined effects of phytic acid and/or phytase supplementation. The basal diet contained sufficient phosphorus to meet the fish’s requirements. Results indicated that supplementing with ten grams sodium phytate per kg of diet had no significant effect on feed intake or weight gain, however, significantly (P<0.05) reduced protein digestibility. Adding 2000 units of phytase per kg diet reduced the effect of phytic acid on protein digestibility and improved growth. Feed utilization was improved for fish fed the diets containing both phytase and phytic acid, but not separately.

Sajjadi, M. and C.G. Carter. 2004. Effect of phytic acid and phytase on feed intake, growth, digestibility and trypsin activity Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar, L.). Aquaculture Nutr. 10(2): 135-142.