Simons P C, Versteegh H A, Jongbloed A W, Kemme P A, Slump P, Bos K D, Wolters M G, Beudeker R F, Verschoor G J
Spelderholt Centre for Poultry Research and Information Services, Beekbergen, The Netherlands.
Br J Nutr. 1990 Sep;64(2):525-40. doi: 10.1079/bjn19900052.
Techniques have been developed to produce microbial phytase for addition to diets for simple-stomached animals, with the aim to improve phosphorus availability from phytate-P in plant sources. The activity of the crude microbial phytase showed pH optima at pH 5.5 and 2.5. The enzyme was able to degrade phytate in vitro in soya-bean meal, maize and a liquid compound feed for pigs. When microbial phytase was added to low-P diets for broilers the availability of P increased to over 60% and the amount of P in the droppings decreased by 50%. The growth rate and feed conversion ratio on the low-P diets containing microbial phytase were comparable to or even better than those obtained on control diets. Addition of microbial phytase to diets for growing pigs increased the apparent absorbability of P by 24%. The amount of P in the faeces was 35% lower.
