INFLUENCE OF MICROBIAL PI-IYTASE ON TI-IE BIO-AVAILABILITY OF MINERALS AND RETENTION OF NITROGEN AND ENERGY IN BROILERS

Abstract

An eight week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation ofphytase in low available phosphorus diet on nutrient utilization of broiler chicken. Graded levels of phytase linearly improved (P < 0.01) nitrogen retention while energy retention was significantly (P < 0.01) higher in groups fed 750 and 1000 units of phytase/kg. The addition of 750 and 1000 units of phytase/kg diet significantly (P < 0.01) increased the availability of calcium while phosphorus availability was improved by all levels of enzyme supplementation. The availability of manganese and zinc was significantly (P < 0.01) improved in enzyme supplemented groups. The excretion of phosphorus was significantly (P < 0.01) reduced in enzyme supplemented groups.