Improving phytate bound phosphorus bioavailability of sorghum by broilers using phytase enzyme

Anecdotal information in our region suggests that high-density broiler production result in the enormous amount of nutrients losses to soil contributing environmental pollution. Of major concern is the phosphorus leaching from poultry wastes mainly due to incomplete or partial digestion of phytate bound P and nitrogen in cereal grains that constitute 50-60 % of poultry ration. Feed enzymes can be used as an effective strategy to help in improving of nutrient utilization by broilers but also assists in making the environment safe. Certain cereals are highly rich in antinutritional factors and it becomes obligatory to use enzymes to enhance its nutrient availability. The potential benefits of supplementing phytase enzyme in three bioassay diet of sorghum (918 g/kg, sole source of protein) was evaluated to target phytateand improve phosphorus and nitrogen availability by broilers at day-21. Experimental bioassay diets in mash form were prepared and Celite® (Acid insoluble ash; AIA) was usedas an indigestible marker. Three diets, a control (Ph-0) and to other were added phytase enzyme (10000 FTU/g) at level of 0.01% (Ph-1) and 0.015% (Ph-2) and were stored in plastic bins in cool room (4 0C). Feed, digesta and faecal samples were collected, processed and analysed using standard lab protocols for nitrogen, phosphorus and phytate. Ileal nitrogen digestibility was significantly enhanced (3.7 and 5.3%, respectively) and faecal nitrogen losses were significantly reduced (46%) in enzymes supplemented groups. Phosphorus retained (digestibility coefficients) in the tract in treated group was 0.35 (Ph-1), 0.37 (Ph-2), respectively, to non-treated control group (Ph-0; 0.17). Similarly enzymes supplemented groups had higher phytate digestibility (0.55 and 0.57, respectively). pH of the bedding material in phytase treated group was similar and numerically lower (6.6) to control group (7.4). Soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) was reduced (p<0.05) in phytase supplemented groups. These findings revealed that feed enzymes improved nutrient digestibility of sorghum and potentially can minimize nutrient.