News » How effective is phytase in pig feed?

The addition of phytase enzyme to pig feed to improve uptake of phosphorus is today standard procedure in most pig production. Asignificant part of phosphate in grains and seeds is in "phytate", theplant's natural phosphorus storage molecule, which is not digestible fornon-ruminants (pigs, chickens, humans). By breaking down phytate, phytase enables pigs to take up this protein, so reducing P-loss tomanure and reducing the need to add mineral feed phosphates (e.g.calcium phosphates). Recent trials suggest however that standardagronomic recommendations may overestimate the benefits of phytase. 72pigs were fed diets with different levels of added phytase for 25 days,with either a diet with adequate P for optimal growth, or a P-deficient diet. Phytase improved P digestibility by nearly 50% in the P-deficientdiet, but only by 12% in the optimal diet. The authors note thatP-release curves for phytase are based on research using P-deficient diets, in order to obtain clear results, so that current diet recommendations may be overestimating the effects of phytate use on pig P uptake, and so resulting in feed supplying below optimal P levels. In both diets, phytase slightly improved digestibility of dry matter, gross energy and crude protein.

?Doesphytase release less phosphorus than we think??, K. Olsen & J.Patience, Iowa Pork Industry Centre, Iowa State University, 7^th July 2020 https://www.nationalhogfarmer.com/nutrition/does-phytase-release-less-phosphorus-we-think

Source: https://mailchi.mp/phosphorusplatform/espp-enews-trial-577202?e=b7935c5729.