Efficacy of a next generation microbial phytase in laying hens fed corn-soybean meal-based diets low in non-phytate phosphorus.

An 8wk (67 to 75wk of age) trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of supplementation of a next generation microbial phytase (CIBENZA PHYTAVERSE , Novus International, Inc., St. Charles, MO) in laying hens fed corn-SBM-based mash diets low in non-phytate phosphorus (npp). A total of 120 Hy-Line W-36 laying hens were assigned to 5 treatments with 24 cages/treatment and 1 hen/cage using a randomized complete block design. Treatments consisted of 0.15% npp, T1 (-ve control); 0.30% npp, T2; 0.42% npp, T3 (+ve control); T1+250 FTU of phytase/kg diet, T4; T1+500 FTU of phytase/kg diet, T5; All diets were formulated to contain 4.4% Ca using limestone. Performance (body weight, egg production, egg weight, FCR on egg mass, and feed intake), %bone ash and minerals (P and Ca), and egg and shell quality variables (Albumin height, Haugh units, yolk color, shell thickness and strength) were measured. The data were analyzed using 1-way ANOVA and means were separated using LSDs at P≤0.05. End of the trial outcome indicated that only body weight gain, and bone ash %phosphorus (P) were affected (P<0.05). Hens fed 0.3% npp (T2) and 0.42% npp (T3) had higher (P<0.05) body weight gain compared to 0.15% npp (T1) fed group. Feeding phytase at 250 FTU (T4) or 500 FTU (T5) resulted in similar results compared to T2 and T3 (P>0.05) and were different from T1 (P<0.05). Bone ash %P was higher (P<0.05) for all treatments (T2 to T5) compared to the –ve Ctrl (T1 with 0.15% npp). In summary, the bone ash %P and weight gain data indicated that the next generation microbial phytase, CIBENZA PHYTAVERSE, was effective in replacing 0.15% npp towards end of laying hen cycle.

 

Key words: Layer, Phytase, Corn, Soybean meal.