New paper: Evaluation of Increasing Levels of Phytase in Diets Containing Variable Levels of Amino Acids on Male Broiler Performance and Processing Yields

Researchers from Texas A&M University, along with our Regional Technical Service Manager Craig Wyatt, have investigated the effect of increasing levels of phytase with three levels of amino acids on performance and breast yield.

The anti-nutritive properties of phytate extend beyond chelation of essential minerals and phosphorus, to include a reduction in digestible amino acids. Phytase breaks down phytate, releasing phosphorus and other chelated minerals for use by the animal. It is widely thought that phytase can be supplemented into poultry diets to increase utilisation of amino acids.

The experiment, published in last month’s Oxford Academic Journal of Applied Poultry Research, involved three levels of Quantum Blue phytase at 500, 1,500, and 3,000 FTU/kg, and three AA densities, for nine treatments across seven replicate pens with 45 Cobb 500 males per pen.

The researchers concluded that superdosing phytase improves performance in broilers negatively impacted by reductions in dietary digestible amino acids. For details of the improvements observed across body weight, feed conversion ratio and breast yield, download the PDF here.