Microbial Phytase Supplementation Research Articles

Nutritional evaluation of protein, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium bioavailability from lupin (Lupinus albus var. multolupa)-based diets in growing rats: effect of α-galactoside oligosaccharide extraction and phytase supplementation

The nutritional composition of the legume Lupinus albus var. multolupa, raw or after alpha-galactoside extraction, and its effect on the bioavailability of protein, P, Ca, and Mg by growing rats was evaluated using a balance technique. The protein and dietary fibre content of the lupin flours studied was high, and 89-94% of the dietary fibre was present as insoluble dietary fibre. The alpha-galactoside extraction process did not disrupt the nutritional quality of protein, and the digestive and metabolic utilisation of this nutrient was high and comparable with that obtained from a casein-cystine control diet (pair-fed to the average daily food intake of the experimental groups fed the different lupin diets). Bioavailability of P, Ca, and Mg from the lupin diets tested was high, and supplementation of an exogenous microbial phytase (750 phytase units/kg) did not cause any further improvement. Mineral content in the bone tissue (femur and sternum) did not correlate to mineral balance, which, on the other hand, was related to the mineral content of other tissues such as blood, plasma, liver and kidney. Due to its ability to grow under adverse edaphic and climatic conditions and to its good nutritional quality, alpha-galactoside-free lupin flour supplemented with the required amounts of minerals and vitamins to meet nutrient requirements can be used as an excellent dietary source for the preparation of dietetic products.

Estimating equivalency values of microbial phytase for amino acids in growing and finishing pigs fitted with steered ileo-cecal valve cannulas

Ten crossbred barrows (48.3 +/- 2.3 kg of initial BW) fitted with steered ileo-cecal valve cannulas were used to investigate the effects of supplemental microbial phytase on the apparent ileal digestibilities (AID) of AA, Ca, P, N, and DM, and the apparent total tract digestibilities of Ca, P, N, and DM. All diets were corn-soybean meal-based, and contained 0.44% Ca and 0.40% total P. Diets 1, 2, and 3 contained 12.0, 11.1, and 10.2% CP, respectively. Diets 4 and 5 had the same ingredient composition as diet 3, plus 250 and 500 U/kg phytase (Natuphos), respectively. Pigs were randomly allotted to 1 of 5 dietary treatments in a paired 5 x 5 Latin square with an extra period to test for carryover effects. Each 14-d period consisted of a 7-d adjustment followed by a 3-d total collection, a 12-h ileal digesta collection, a 3-d readjustment, and a second 12-h ileal digesta collection. Pigs were housed individually in metabolism pens (1.2 x 1.2 m). Water was supplied ad libitum, and feed was supplied at a level of 9% of the metabolic BW (BW(0.75)) per day in 2 equal daily feedings. As the dietary CP concentration increased, the AID of CP and all AA measured increased linearly (P < 0.05) with the exception of proline. In addition, the apparent total tract digestibilities (grams per day) and retention of N (grams per day) increased linearly (P < 0.01) with increasing CP levels. Supplementing diets with phytase increased the AID of Ca (P < 0.01), P (P < 0.001), CP (P = 0.07), and the AA (P < 0.10) Gly, Ala, Val, Ile, Thr, TSAA, Asp, Glu, Phe, Lys, and Arg. Protein and phytase response equations were generated for those AA affected (P < 0.10) by both CP level and phytase supplementation. Based on these equations, 500 U/kg of phytase can replace 0.52 percentage units of the dietary CP, which includes a 0.03 percentage unit improvement in Lys AID. The results of this study show that supplementing pig diets with microbial phytase improves CP and AA digestibilities in addition to Ca and P digestibilities.

Influence of feeding level on apparent total tract digestibility of phosphorus and calcium in pigs fed low-phosphorus diets supplemented with microbial or wheat phytase

Eighteen pigs (initial body weight 11.3 kg) were used in a 5-week digestibility experiment to investigate the effects of supplemental microbial and native wheat phytase on apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of phosphorus (P) and calcium (Ca) at different feeding levels (FL) in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments. A low-P (4.2 or 1.4 g/kg DM total or digestible P, respectively) corn–soybean meal diet, either containing 0 or 550 U/kg from microbial ( Penicillium) or wheat phytase, respectively, was fed at three FL (1.2-, 2.0- or 2.8-fold the ME maintenance requirement) in three consecutive periods. Pigs were kept in metabolism crates and feces and urine were quantitatively collected. Supplementation of the control diet with microbial phytase increased ( P < 0.001) ATTD of P and Ca by 22.6 and 18.3 percentage units, respectively. Similarly, but to a smaller extent, inclusion of wheat phytase increased ATTD of P ( P < 0.001) and Ca ( P = 0.005) by 7.4 and 4.9 percentage units, respectively. The overall ATTD of P and Ca were positively influenced by the level of feed intake ( P < 0.001). Increasing the FL improved the efficiency of microbial phytase ( P < 0.05) but not of wheat phytase ( P > 0.05) in rendering phytate P digestible. Phytase effects on ATTD of Ca were not affected ( P > 0.05) by an increase in FL.

Responses of Broiler Chicks to Non-Phytate Phosphorous Levels and Phytase Supplementation

Supplementation of broiler diets with phytase has proven to be an effective and realistic method for enhancing the digestibility of phytic acid in monogastric animals. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of microbial phytase (RonozymeP) supplementation in broiler chicks fed different levels of nonphytate phosphorus (nPP) on performance. Five hundred and seventy six day old mixed sex, Ross broiler chicks were distributed randomly into 6 dietary treatments (three replicate /each 32 chicks). Data were analyzed as a 3×2 factorial arrangement with three levels of nPP (0.45, 0.38, and 0.31 % during starter and 0.43, 0.36, and 0.29 % during grower and finisher periods) and two levels of phytase (0 and 500 F.T.U/kg) in each period. The results showed that chicks fed with lower nPP diets had significantly lower body weight at 40 and 50d; lower daily gain during 20-40d and 0-50 d; and higher feed conversion ratio during 20-40d period. Phytase supplementation to the diets had only significantly increased feed intake during 21-40d period. The interactions between nPP levels and phytase supplementation on body weight at 40d and FCR during 0-20d was significant, in which the BW of the chicks fed lowest nPP diets was improved by phytase, whilst those of chicks fed high nPP diets was adversely affected by phytase supplementation.

Influence of Dietary Phytate and Exogenous Phytase on Amino Acid Digestibility in Poultry: A Review

The effects of dietary phytate and microbial phytase supplementation on amino acid availability in poultry diets are of considerable practical importance. Published data on the influence of exogenous phytase supplementation on the ileal digestibility of amino acids in poultry are reviewed in this paper, with emphasis on the factors causing variability in amino acid responses. Several modes of action have been proposed by researchers to explain the influence of phytate on protein digestion, but it is hypothesised that the de novo formation of binary protein-phytate complexes in the gut under acidic conditions in the proventriculus may be the main mechanism whereby phytate depresses the digestibility of dietary amino acids as bound protein is refractory to pepsin digestion. It is also likely that phytate promotes the flow of endogenous amino acids. The review demonstrates that the choice of inert marker used in the digestibility assays is a major factor responsible for the variable phytase responses reported in the literature. The important diet-related causes for the variability include differences among ingredients, dietary levels of Ca and nonphytate P and dietary electrolyte balance, and clearly amino acid responses with added phytase may be enhanced by considering these issues in poultry feed formulations. Phytase feed enzymes, however, do not degrade the majority of dietary phytate in poultry and consequently the negative influence of phytate on protein digestibility is not completely removed by phytase supplementation. It is proposed that the experimental use of ‘dephytinised’ feed ingredients may be useful to define the actual extent to which amino acid digestibility is compromised by dietary phytate. The efficacy of current phytase feed enzymes may be further enhanced by the simultaneous use of other exogenous enzymes, which complement their activity, increase substrate access and/or absorption of liberated nutrients.

Effect of Supplementing Microbial Phytase on Performance of Broiler Breeders Fed Low Non-phytate Phosphorus Diet

An experiment was conducted to study the production performance of broiler breeder females (25 to 40 weeks of age) fed either reference diet or low non-phytate phosphorus (NPP) diet with or without microbial phytase (500 FYT/kg) supplementation. A weighed (160 g/b/d) quantity of feed from each diet was offered daily to 40 replicates of one bird each housed in California type cage having individual feeders. Each cage was considered as a replicate. A continuous 16-h light per day was provided using incandescent bulbs. Body weight, egg production, egg weight, feed per egg mass, egg specific gravity, egg breaking strength, shell thickness, tibia ash and serum Ca and protein concentrations were not affected by reducing the NPP level from 0.30 to 0.18% in the broiler breeder diet. Supplementation of phytase (500 FYT/kg) enzyme to the diet containing 0.18% NPP had no added advantage on any of the above production parameters. The serum inorganic P was increased significantly (p<0.05) by either enhancing the NPP content from 0.18 to 0.30% or supplementing phytase @500 FYT/kg to the diet containing low P which were found comparable. Retention of Ca and P was positive on all the diets. P retention decreased significantly (p<0.05) with either increase in NPP content or phytase supplementation in the diet. Neither NPP nor phytase supplementation influenced bone mineralization in terms of tibia ash and strength. The hatchability was not influenced by either increasing the NPP content or supplementing the enzyme phytase. Similarly, the P concentration in the egg yolk and day old chick, day old and 14 th day body weight and leg score was not altered by increasing the level of NPP or supplementing phytase enzyme. The mortality was within the normal limits in all the three dietary groups. Thus, it can be concluded that 0.18 %N PP (288 mg NPP intake/b/d) in the broiler breeder's diet is adequate in sustaining the optimum performance from 25 to 40 wks of age. Enhancing the NPP content or supplementation of phytase (500 FYT/kg diet) to diet containing 0.18% NPP had no added advantage on performance. (Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci. 2005. Vol 18, No. 9 : 1299-1304)

Effects of Microbial Phytase Supplementation on Feed Consumption and Egg Production of Laying Hens

In this study, the effects of microbial phytase supplementation in diets were investigated on feed intake, egg production and feed efficiency in laying hens. The experiment was carried out between the July 15 to October 15 . 120 Nick Chick White hens at 210 days of age were divided into four groups of 40 each. th th Each cage contained 5 hens. Treatment groups were fed the basal diet (Control Group) or the basal diet supplemented with 300 U/kg of microbial phytase (Group A) and 600 U/kg of microbial phytase (Group B). Birds in each group were fed a balanced diet ad libitum. Daily feed intake, feed efficiency, egg production and egg weight differed between treatment groups (P<0.01). However initial and final body weights were similar in all groups. It can be concluded that supplementation of microbial phytase to diets improved hen productivity.

Effect of phytase supplementation to a low- and a high-phytate diet for growing pigs on the digestibilities of crude protein, amino acids, and energy1,2,3

Supplementation of microbial phytase usually improves the digestibility and utilization of phosphorus in feedstuffs of plant origin. The effect of phytase supplementation on the digestibilities of AA also has been examined, but the results have been inconsistent. This study was carried out to determine the effect of phytase (Natuphos) supplementation, at a rate of 2,000 phytase units/kg, to two basal diets on the apparent ileal digestibilities (AID) of GE, CP, and AA, and on the apparent total-tract digestibilities (ATTD) of CP and GE. The basal diets contained 18% CP and were formulated (as-fed basis) to contain either a low (0.22%) or high content (0.48%) of phytate P. The high-phytate diet contained 20% rice bran, which is a rich source of phytate and has low intrinsic phytase activity. Eight barrows (average initial BW = 40.6 kg), fitted with a simple T-cannula at the distal ileum, were fed the four diets according to a replicated 4 x 4 Latin square design. The pigs were fed twice daily at 0800 and 2000, equal amounts each meal, at a rate of 2.4 times the daily maintenance requirement for ME. Each experimental period comprised 14 d. Ileal digesta were collected from 0800 to 2000 on d 12, 13, and 14. Feces were collected from 0800 on d 8 until 0800 on d 12. Chromic oxide was used as the digestibility marker. The AID of GE, CP, and AA and the ATTD of CP and GE were less in the high- than in the low-phytate diet (P < 0.01). With the exception of glutamic acid, phytase supplementation did not affect (P > 0.10) the AID of CP and AA. There was no effect (P > 0.05) of phytase on the ATTD of CP and GE. These results show that if a response occurs to phytase supplementation, it is independent of the dietary phytate content.

Effect of microbial phytase on production performance of White Leghorn layers fed on a diet low in non-phytate phosphorus

1. An experiment with 150 White Leghorn layers was conducted to examine the effect of microbial phytase supplementation of low non-phytate phosphorus (NPP) diets on egg production, eggshell quality, bone mineralisation and retention of nutrients at 32–48 weeks of age. 2. Four isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets were formulated to contain 1·2, 1·8, 2·4 and 3·0 g NPP/kg diet with the two lowest NPP (1·2 and 1·8) supplemented with microbial phytase (Biofeed Phytase, India) at 500 FTU per kg diet. Each diet was offered ad libitum to 5 replicates of 5 layers throughout the experiment. 3. Body weight gain was reduced significantly in the layers fed on the 1·2 g/kg NPP diet as compared to those given diets containing 1·8–3·0 g/kg. Addition of phytase to the 1·2 g/kg diet significantly enhanced the body weight and was comparable with those given diets containing 1·8–3·0 g/kg NPP. 4. No additional advantage resulted from enhancing the NPP levels beyond 1·8 g/kg or adding phytase to a diet containing 1·8 g/kg NPP. 5. Hen d egg production, food intake, food efficiency, shell weight, shell thickness, shell strength and tibia strength followed the same trends as above. However, adding phytase to the 1·8 g/kg NPP diet significantly enhanced tibia ash. Egg weight, specific gravity and Haugh units were influenced by neither NPP concentration nor phytase supplementation. 6. Adding phytase to the 1·2 g/kg NPP diet significantly enhanced nitrogen and phosphorus retention. 7. It was concluded that addition of 500 FTU of microbial phytase/kg diet can allow the reduction of NPP content to 1·2 g/kg in the layer diet, eliminate inorganic phosphorus supplementation and results in significant reduction of nitrogen and phosphorus excretion without affecting the production performance of layers.

Effects of an experimental phytase on performance, egg quality, tibia ash content and phosphorus bioavailability in laying hens fed on maize- or barley-based diets

1. A 24-week performance trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of an experimental phytase on performance, egg quality, tibia ash content and phosphorus excretion in laying hens fed on either a maize- or a barley-based diet. At the end of the trial, an ileal absorption assay was conducted in order to determine the influence of phytase supplementation on the apparent absorption of calcium and total phosphorus (P). 2. Each experimental diet was formulated either as a positive control containing 3·2 g/kg non-phytate phosphorus (NPP), with the addition of dicalcium phosphate (DCP), or as a low P one, without DCP addition. Both low P diets (containing 1·3 or 1·1 g/kg NPP) were supplemented with microbial phytase at 0, 150, 300 and 450 U/kg. The birds were housed in cages, allocating two hens per cage as the experimental unit. Each of 10 dietary treatments was assigned to 16 replicates. 3. Low dietary NPP (below 1·3 g/kg) was not able to support optimum performance of hens during the laying cycle (from 22 to 46 weeks of age), either in maize or barley diets. Rate of lay, daily egg mass output, feed consumption, tibia ash percentage and weight gain were reduced in hens fed low NPP diets. The adverse effects of a low P diet were more severe in hens on a maize diet than in those on a barley diet. 4. Low dietary NPP reduced egg production, weight gain, feed consumption and tibia ash content and microbial phytase supplementation improved these parameters. Hens given low NPP diets supplemented with phytase performed as well as the hens on positive control diets containing 3·2 g/kg of NPP. 5. A 49% reduction of excreta P content was achieved by feeding hens on low NPP diets supplemented with phytase, without compromising performance. 6. Phytase addition to low NPP diets increased total phosphorus absorption at the ileal level, from 0·25 to 0·51 in the maize diet and from 0·34 to 0·58 in the barley diet. Phosphorus absorption increased linearly with increasing levels of dietary phytase. Mean phosphorus absorption was higher in barley diets than in maize diets (0·49 vs 0·39).

Dietary protein level, microbial phytase, citric acid and their interactions on bone mineralization of Labeo rohita (Hamilton) juveniles

A feeding trial was conducted for 60 days to study the eiect of dietary protein, microbial phytase and citric acid on intestinal digesta pH, bone ash and bone mineral contents in Labeo rohita juveniles. Eight experimental diets were prepared in 2 � 2 � 2 factorial arrangement with crude protein levels (25% and 35%), microbial phytase (0 and 500 U kg � 1 ), and citric acid (0 and 3%). The 25% crude protein level feed was supplemented with phytase (U kg � 1 )a nd citric acid (%) at the level of 0,0 (C25); 500,0 (T1); 0,3 (T2); 500,3 (T3), and 35% crude protein level feed at 0.0 (C 35); 500,0 (T4); 0,3 (T5) and 500,3(T6 )r espectively. One hundred and twenty juveniles of L. rohita (av. wt. 12.61^13.72 g) were distributed randomly in eight treatments, each of with three replicates. Addition of citric acid in the 25% crude protein feed significantly decreased (Po0.001) feed pH with concurrent decrease in intestinal digesta pH (Po0.001) and increased the bone ash content (Po0.05) by 4.6%. An interaction between citric acid and phytase (Po0.05) was also observed for bone ash content. Increasing the dietary protein content from 25% to 35% signi¢cantly decreased (Po0.01) bone Zn content by14.9%, which was more prominent with the addition of citric acid, resulting in signi¢cant interaction between protein and citric acid (Po0.05), but the bone Cu content was signi¢cantly increased (Po0.01) with increasing dietary protein content. Dietary supplementation of microbial phytase (500 U kg � 1 ) signi¢cantly increased (Po0.05) bone Na, Ca, K, P and Fe contents by 15%, 12.1%, 17.4%, 9.2% and 40.7%, respectively, whereas bone P and Mn content was signi¢cantly increased (Po0.05) by addition of citric acid (3%). Addition of phytase to plant-based diets increased the bioavailability of minerals, thereby increasing bone mineralization. The eiect of phytase was increased because of addition of citric acid (3%).

Effect of phytase supplementation to diets for weanling pigs on the digestibilities of crude protein, amino acids, and energy1,2,3

Four experiments were conducted with weanling pigs fitted with a simple T-cannula at the distal ileum, to determine the effect of phytase supplementation to four diets on the apparent ileal digestibilities (AID) of CP and AA, and the apparent total-tract digestibilities (ATTD) of CP and DE. Phytase (Natuphos, DSM Food Specialties, Delft, The Netherlands) was supplemented at rates of 0, 500 or 1,000 FTU/kg to the four diets. A 20% CP (as-fed basis) corn-soybean meal diet was used in Exp. 1; a 20% CP wheat-soybean meal diet in Exp. 2; a 20% CP wheat-soybean meal-canola meal diet in Exp. 3; and a 19% CP barley-peas-canola meal diet in Exp. 4. In each experiment, six barrows, fitted with a simple T-cannula at the distal ileum, were fed the basal plus phytase-supplemented diets according to a repeated 3 x 3 Latin square design. Each experimental period comprised 14 d. The piglets were at fed 0800 and 2000 daily, equal amounts for each meal, at a daily rate of at least 2.4 times the maintenance requirement for ME. Feces were collected from 0800 on d 8 until 0800 on d 12 of each experimental period. Ileal digesta were collected from 0800 to 2000 on d 12, 13, and 14. Chromic oxide was used as the digestibility marker. The average initial and final BW (average of all experiments) were 7.9 and 16.5 kg, respectively. Phytase supplementation did not improve the AID of CP and AA in Exp. 1, 2, and 4; however, there were improvements (P < 0.05) or tendencies (P < 0.10) toward improvements in the AID of CP and AA or the ATTD of CP and the content of DE with phytase supplementation in Exp. 3. These results suggest that the AA response factor to microbial phytase supplementation depends on diet composition.

Effect of dietary microbial phytase supplementation on growth and nutrient digestibility of Pangasius pangasius (Hamilton) fingerlings

A feeding trial was conducted for 60 days to study the effects of exogenous microbial phytase supplementation on the growth and nutrient digestibility of Pangasius pangasius fingerlings. Eight isocaloric and isoprotein experimental diets (35.67% crude protein and 3870 kcal kg−1) were prepared with graded levels of phytase, e.g., 0 (T1), 150 (T2), 250 (T3), 350 (T4), 500 (T5), 1000 (T6) and 2000 (T7) FTU (phytase units) kg−1. Three hundred and fifteen fingerlings of P. pangasius (1.97–2.05 g) were randomly distributed in seven treatments with three replicates each. Maximum weight gain (350.72%), specific growth rate (2.51%), protein efficiency ratio (2.1), apparent net protein utilization (27.85%), energy retention value (88.47%) and feed conversion efficiency were observed in T5 group supplemented with 500 FTU phytase kg−1 diet. Apparent dry matter and protein digestibility in phytase-supplemented groups were significantly (P<0.01) higher at a minimum supplement of 500 FTU kg−1 or higher. Liver alkaline phosphatase activity increased significantly in treatment groups. Supplementation at 500 FTU kg−1 of phytase is optimum in the diet of P. pangasius fingerlings.

Mineral status of Pangasius pangasius (Hamilton) fingerlings in relation to supplemental phytase: absorption, whole-body and bone mineral content

A 60-day feeding trial was conducted to quantify the effects of microbial phytase supplementation on apparent absorption, whole body and bone contents of minerals in Pangasius pangasius fingerlings. Seven isoprotein (35.67%) and isocaloric (3870 kcal kg(-1)) diets were prepared with graded levels of supplemental phytase at 0 (T1), 150 (T2), 250 (T3), 350 (T4), 500 (T5), 1000 (T6) and 2000 (T7) FTU (Phytase Units) kg(-1). Three hundred and fifteen fingerlings of P. pangasius (1.97-2.05 g) were randomly distributed in seven treatments with three replicates each. There was significant increase (P<0.05) in tissue protein content in phytase-supplemented groups compared with the control. Apparent absorptions of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), potassium (K), copper (Cu) and cobalt (Co) were significantly (P<0.05) higher in the phytase-supplemented groups than the control group. Faecal ash and P contents were significantly (P<0.05) higher in the control (T1) than the phytase-supplemented groups. Whole-body contents of Ca, P. Zn, Fe, Cu and Co were significantly (P<0.05) improved by the dietary supplementation of phytase-barring Mg and Mn. Concentrations of bone Ca, P, K, Cu and Co were significantly (P<0.05) higher in phytase-supplemented groups. Bone ash contents (40.77-44.85%) were increased concomitantly with the increased level of phytase inclusion upto 500 FTU kg(-1) diet. It was observed that a minimum dose of 250 FTU phytase kg(-1) diet improved the mineral absorption and utilization in P. pangasius fingerlings.

Dietary microbial phytase increased the phosphorus digestibility in juvenile Korean rockfish Sebastes schlegeli fed diets containing soybean meal

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary microbial phytase supplementation on nutrient digestibility, growth performance and body composition in juvenile Korean rockfish fed soybean meal-based diets. Nine experimental diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isocaloric to contain 48.6% crude protein (CP) and 15.9 kJ of available energy/g with or without dietary phytase (Natuphos-5000™, BASF, NJ, USA) supplementation. White fish meal (FM) provided 89.1% of the total protein in the basal diet (S 0), in the other eight diets, 30 or 40% FM protein was replaced by soybean meal: 70% FM+30% soybean meal (S 30); 70% FM+30% 1000 U phytase pretreated SM (S 30PP 1000); 70% FM+30% SM+1000 U phytase/kg diet (S 30P 1000); 70% FM+30% SM+2000 U phytase/kg diet (S 30P 2000); 60% FM+40% SM (S 40); 60% FM+40% 1000 U P tre SM (S 40PP 1000); 60% FM+40% SM+1000 U phytase/kg diet (S 40P 1000); and 60% FM+40% SM+2000 U phytase/kg diet (S 40P 2000). After 2 weeks of the adaptation, triplicate groups of 20 fish initially averaging 7.25±0.04 g (mean±S.D.) were randomly distributed into the aquarium and were fed one of the experimental diets for 8 weeks. By the end of the 8-week feeding trial, supplementation of phytase significantly improved the apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) of phosphorus in rockfish diets ( P<0.05) containing 30% and 40% soybean meal regardless of the level and method of phytase supplementation. Supplementation of phytase significantly increased the ADC of dry matter in diets containing 30% soybean meal ( P<0.05). However, phytase had no influence on growth performance and whole body composition of fish. The pretreatment of soybean meal with 1000 U phytase improved weight gain (WG) when 30% fish meal protein was replaced by soybean meal. Based on the experimental results, we conclude that supplementation of phytase can improve the apparent digestibility coefficient of phosphorus in Korean rockfish.

Biochemical and haematological blood parameters of sows during pregnancy and lactation fed the diet with different source and activity of phytase

The aim of the study was to estimate the influence of microbial phytase supplementation to mixtures with low (425 ± 25 PU kg −1) or high (1075 ± 75 PU kg −1) native phytase on haematological and biochemical indices as well as contents of chosen mineral components in blood of sows during pregnancy and lactation. In two experiments conducted on 75 sows in each one, all the animals were randomized to three experimental groups. Diets with low content of native phytase used in experiment 1 were based on barley, wheat, oat and rapeseed meal. Diets with high native phytase level used in experiment 2 contained triticale, rye, oat and rapeseed meal. Additionally, lactating diets were supplemented with soybean meal. The experimental design was analogical in both experiments. The diet of group I (positive control) was supplemented with the standard mixture of nutrients, containing Ca and P according to NRC recommendations (1998). Sows from group II (negative control) were fed a mixture without inorganic phosphorus supplementation. In group III, the animals were fed the same mixture as in group II, but with microbial phytase addition (500 PU kg −1 of mixture). Blood samples were taken on 8th and 14th week of pregnancy and 21st day of lactation. The following indices in whole blood were determined: hematocrit (Ht), haemoglobin (Hb) level, erythrocyte (RBC) and leukocyte (WBC) number. In the blood the activity of AP, ALT, AST, LDH, Na +K +ATP-ase has estimated and concentration of P, Ca, Na, K, Mg, Fe, Cu and Zn. Supplementing diet with the microbial phytase increased the availability of Ca, Fe, Zn in both experiments and P, Cu in experiment with high native phytase activity (experiment 2). The microbial phytase addition to the high native phytase diets diminished WBC number and increased Hb level in blood. The levels of the rest haematological indices were not changed by the exogenous microbial phytase. The increase of the phosphorous availability in the diet affected by the addition of microbial phytase is in line with the increased AP activity. The higher level of native phytase increased Mg and P, Ca, Cu and Zn availability and activity of the following enzymes: AP, ALT and LDH. Irrespective of phytase activity in diet, a higher content of sodium and the elevated RBC and Ht levels, higher AP and LDH activity but lower activity of ALT and ATP-aseNa +K + in the blood of sows during pregnancy in comparison with lactation was noted.

Effects of Microbial Phytase Supplementation in Corn Distiller's Dried Grain with Solubles on Nutrient Digestibility and Growth Performance of Rainbow Trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of microbial phytase in corn distiller's dried grain with solubles (DDGS) on apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) and growth performance of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. In experiment 1, DDGS was supplemented with phytase at 0,300,600,900, and 1200 FTU/kg diet. A total of 180 fish (129.1±9.3 g) were stocked into six 140-L tanks with 30 fish/tank. Fish were assigned randomly to a reference diet and each of the 5 diets containing DDGS. Yttrium oxide was used as an inert marker. Results showed that ADCs in DDGS supplemented with different dosages of phytase were: dry matter, 49.1-58.6%; crude fat, 78.9-88.9%; crude protein, 80.0-91.9%; gross energy, 50.5-66.6%; minerals, -7.3-99.7%; and amino acids: 73.9 to 96.8%. In experiment 2, abasal diet containing 15% DDGS supplemented with lysine and methionine was used to determine if trace mineral supplemental levels in rainbow trout diets could be reduced if microbial phytase was supplemented. Six diets were made with trace mineral premix supplementation at 0.1, 0.08, 0.06, 0.04, 0.02, and 0%. Phytase was not supplemented in the basal diet, but supplemented at 500 FTU/kg diet in all other diets. Ten-week results showed that there were no significant differences in fish weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and survival (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in fish body composition and apparent nutrient retention among fish fed all diets, except that fish fed a diet without trace mineral supplementation had the lowest zinc level and the highest manganese retention. Results indicated that phytase was effective in releasing most of minerals, and that trace mineral supplementation level could be reduced when phytase was used in rainbow trout diets.

Effects of Microbial Phytase Supplementation and Dosage on Apparent Digestibility Coefficients of Nutrients and Dry Matter in Soybean Product‐Based Diets for Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss

AbstractThree experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of microbial phytase (Ronozyme P(L) and dosage on apparent digestibility coefficients of dry matter, crude protein, amino acids, and minerals in soybean product‐based diets for rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. In experiments 1 and 2, fish were fed soy protein concentrate and soybean meal‐based semi‐purified diets, respectively. In experiment 3, fish were fed soybean meal‐based practical diets. A total of 900 fish (average body weight 100.1 ± 7.4 g) were stocked into 30 150‐L fiberglass tanks with 30 fish per tank and two tanks per diet. Phytase was supplemented into soybean product‐based diets at 0, 500, 1,000, 2,000, and 4,000 FTU/kg diet. Yttrium oxide (0.01%) was used as inert marker. Feces were collected by hand stripping three times at 3‐d intervals. Results of experiments 1 and 2 showed that phytase supplementation significantly increased apparent digestibility coefficients of minerals (except copper and iron), but not dry matter. Experiment 3 showed that phytase supplementation significantly increased apparent digestibility coefficients of dry matter, crude protein, amino acids (except tryptophan and tyrosine), and minerals (except copper and iron). The optimum level of phytase supplementation in rainbow trout diets was approximately 500 FTU/kg diet.

Effects of Phytase and Enzyme Complex Supplementation to Diets with Different Nutrient Levels on Growth Performance and Ileal Nutrient Digestibility of Weaned Pigs

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of microbial phytase (Natuphos  ) supplementation in combination with enzyme complex (composed of enzymes targeted to SBM dietary components such as α-galactosides and galactomannans; Endo-Power  ) to diet with low nutrient levels on growth performance and ileal nutrient digestibility of weaned pigs. A total of 210 crossbred weaned pigs (Landrace×Yorkshire×Duroc), 6.68±0.98 kg of initial body weight, were randomly allotted to five dietary treatments, based on weight and age, according to a randomized complete block design. There were three pens per treatment and 14 pigs per pen. The dietary treatments were 1) CON (Control diet with no phytase and enzyme complex (EC)), 2) LP+EC 100 (Control diet with 0.15% unit lower available phosphorus (aP) level+0.1% phytase (500 FTU/kg diet) and 0.1% enzyme complex), 3) LP+EC 80 (Control diet with 0.15% unit lower aP level+0.08% phytase (400 FTU/kg diet) and 0.08% enzyme complex, 4) LPEA+EC 100 (Control diet with 0.15% unit lower aP and 3% lower ME and amino acid levels (lysine, methionine, threonine and typtophan)+0.1% phytase (500 FTU/kg diet) and 0.1% enzyme complex), 5) LPEA+EC 80 (Control diet with 0.15% unit lower aP and 3% lower ME and amino acid levels+0.08% phytase (400 FTU/ kg diet) and 0.08% enzyme complex). For the determination of ileal nutrients digestibility, a total of 15 T-cannulated pigs (initial body weight; 7.52±1.24 kg; 3 replicates per treatment) were used in the present study. Piglets were weighted and allotted into same dietary treatments as one in growth trial and phase I experimental diets were provided for ileal digestibility study. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) among dietary treatments during the whole experimental period (0 to 5 weeks). However, piglets in LP+EC 100 group had a significantly higher gain/feed ratio (G:F) than piglets had in control (p<0.05). Crude protein, energy and phosphorus digestibilities were significantly improved when both of phytase and enzyme complex were supplemented at the revel of 0.1%, respectively to diets with low nutrient level (aP or (and) ME and amino acids) (p<0.05). Piglets in LP+EC 100 and LPEA+EC 100 groups showed significantly higher phosphorus content (%) in bone than that of piglets in control group (p<0.05). Supplementation of both of phytase and enzyme complex at 0.1%, respectively, to diet with low nutrient levels (aP or (and) ME and amino acids) significantly improved total ileal essential amino acid and nonessential amino acid digestibilities compared to control group (p<0.05). In conclusion, the results from the present study suggest that the simultaneous inclusion of phytase and enzyme complex to diets at recommended level is advantageous with respect to improving growth performance and nutrient digestibility of weaned pigs and may contribute to increased economic return when added to corn-soy based weaned pig diets. (Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci. 2004. Vol 17, No. 4 : 523-532)

The effect of citric acid and microbial phytase on mineral utilization in broiler chicks

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of microbial phytase (Natuphos ® 500) supplementation in chicks fed different levels of available phosphorus (AP) and citric acid (CA) on performance, mineral retention (Ca, P, Mg, and Zn), bone and plasma minerals (Ca, P, Mg, and Zn), plasma total protein (TP), and serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities. Data were analyzed as a 2×4×2 factorial arrangement with two levels of AP (3.5 and 2.5 g/kg), four levels of phytase (0, 200, 400 and 600 U/kg), and two levels of citric acid (0 and 20 g/kg). The low-AP diets reduced performance. Phytase supplementation increased weight gain (up to 7% quadratically) and feed consumption (up to 5%). This response was statistically maximized by 200 U/kg phytase. Feed to gain ratio was not affected by phytase addition. Growth response to phytase was negatively affected by citric acid. Decreasing AP content in the diet increased Ca, P, and Mg retention, and reduced Zn retention. Phytase supplementation linearly increased Ca, P, and Zn retention by 9, 10 and 16%, respectively. Citric acid addition also increased Ca, P, and Zn retention by 3, 3 and 4%, respectively. Likewise, the decrease in AP content in the diet caused a reduction of tibia ash and tibia Zn, and an increase in tibia Ca and P contents. Phytase supplementation increased tibia ash (up to 4%), tibia Ca (up to 2%), P (up to 1%) and Zn (up to 4%) contents, tibia weight (up to 9%), and relative tibia (up to 19%) and liver (up to 13%) weights. Citric acid increased tibia ash (2%), and tibia Ca (2%) and P (2%) contents. Finally, by decreasing AP levels in the diet, plasma Ca and Zn concentrations as well as AST, ALP, and LDH activities were increased. However, plasma P and TP content were reduced. Phytase supplementation increased linearly plasma Ca (up to 4%), P (up to 12%), Mg (up to 10%), Zn (up to 22%) and TP (up to 7%) content, and serum AST (up to 22%), ALT (up to 40%), and LDH (up to 17%) activities, and reduced linearly serum ALP (up to 34%) activity. Citric acid addition increased plasma Ca, Mg, and Zn content by 10, 4, and 5%, respectively, and reduced ALP activity by 13%. In conclusion, these results indicated that the addition of phytase to maize and soyabean meal low-AP diets improved the performance and increased Ca, P, and Zn utilization in chicks. However, the inclusion of citric acid depressed the performance and caused an increase in mineral utilization. Growth response to phytase was negatively affected by citric acid.