Efficiency of phytase in animal nutrition

In the digestive tract of pigs and poultry hydrolysis of minerals bond to phytic acid, which is an essential prerequisite for absorption, is supported by native or microbial phytase. Results, published recently demonstrate that under these conditions 65 % to 75 % of the inositol phosphorus is released in the stomach and the small intestine. Degradation grades from IP6 to IP5 down to IP2 are detected, Digestibility of P and Ca shows a close correlation to the activity of microbial as well as to native phytase. Comparing the effectiveness of microbial and native phytase, the method applied for native phytase determination has great influence on the result, Microbial phytase supplements are indicated to have differing effects on accumulation of heavy metalg in the organs: in pigs Cd-accumulation in the liver and the kidneys is reported to be increased in contrast to poultry with decreasing accumulation rates.