The Effect of Phytase on Production Performance, Egg Quality, Calcium and Phosphorus Excretion, and Fatty Acids and Cholesterol Concentration in Hy-Line Layers Fed Diets Containing Rice Bran

Abstract

SUMMARY According to low availability of phosphorus in plant protein sources like rice bran, the importance of phosphorus requirement in poultry nutrition especially layers is increasing. This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of phytase in diets containing different levels of rice bran on production performance, egg quality, and fatty acids and cholesterol concentration which affects the nutritional value of layer eggs. A total of 120 62-wk-old white Hy-line W-36 layer hens had corn-soybean diets with different levels of rice bran (0, 15, and 25%) and with or without phytase supplementation (250 FTU/kg). The eggshell weight and thickness were higher in phytase supplemented group. Haugh unit was not significantly different between experimental groups. The highest egg and yolk weight belonged to a treatment group supplemented with 25% rice bran. Inclusion of 25% rice bran increased egg weight, but decreased hen house egg production; hence, the egg mass did not show any significant changes. Cholesterol concentration of eggs in a group with 25% rice bran decreased, but fatty acids, omega-3, and omega-6 concentration increased significantly in the experimental diets supplemented with rice bran. Phytase supplemented groups had a significant decrease in the excretion of P and Ca which reduced the environmental concerns attributed to P excretion. In conclusion, the layers fed 250 FTU/kg phytase supplemented with 25% rice bran had improved performance, egg composition, and shell quality.