Phytase Studies-Broilers
Czech Republic studies evaluated the effects of L-lactic acid and microbial phytase (750U/kg) added separately, or in combination, on growth rate feed conversion, dressing percentage and utilization of selected nutrients. L-lactic acid alone did not improve growth rate of feed utilization. Whereas, phytase added to the low phosphorus grower diet resulted in improved bird weights (P>0.01) and higher feed conversion (P>0.05). This beneficial effect was improved when phytase was added to the diets containing L-lactic acid. In a metabolism study, they found that the apparent digestibility of nitrogen and fat in the low-phosphorus diets was not affected by dietary treatments. Retention and utilization of nitrogen and phosphorus was higher in all treatments fed low-phosphorus diets compared to the standard diets. When compared to the standard diet, the combination of phytase and L-lactic acid increased daily phosphorus retention by 37.6 percent. Phosphorus excretion was significantly (P>0.05) reduced in all treatments fed low-phosphorus diets.

Zobac, P., and co-workers. Influence of L-lactic acid on the efficacy of microbial phytase in broiler chicks. Czech J. Animal Sci. 49(10): 436-443.