Animals, Vol. 15, Pages 2111: The Role of Phosphorus Sources and Phytase in Growth Performance and Feed Digestibility in Broilers

Animals doi: 10.3390/ani15142111

Authors:
Edouard Coudert
Nereida L. Corrales
Amélie Juanchich
Margot Poujol
Benjamin Ribeiro
Tristan Chalvon-Demersay
Guillermo Fondevila

Phosphorus (P) is an essential mineral in poultry nutrition, but its low bioavailability from conventional feed ingredients presents a significant challenge for efficient utilization. This study investigated the effects of different P sources (monocalcium phosphate (MCP) and calcium humophosphate (CHP)) and three phytase concentrations (0, 1000, or 2000 FTU/kg of feed) on broiler performance and ileal nutrient digestibility. A total of 600 Cobb 500 male broilers were fed one of six different dietary treatments with 10 replicates per treatment from 11 to 21 d of age. The birds and feed were weighed at 1, 10, and 21 d of age to determine growth performance. At 21 d of age, ileal digesta was collected from all the birds to determine dry matter, organic matter, Ca, P, and ash digestibility. The results indicated that phytase supplementation at 1000 and 2000 FTU/kg improved the feed conversion ratio and P digestibility compared with the non-supplemented group. The broilers fed CHP showed superior P digestibility compared to those fed MCP, regardless of phytase concentration. The results also indicated interactive effects between P source and phytase concentration on the digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and ash. The findings suggest that CHP enhances nutrient digestibility and could optimize P utilization in broiler diets with phytase inclusion. This report reveals a better understanding of the effects of P sources and phytase concentration on feed digestibility. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and support improvements in broiler performance under commercial production conditions.

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Edouard Coudert www.mdpi.com