Phytic acid is the main source of phosphorus in oilseeds and grains in swine diets but is unavailable to pigs and is therefore excreted. Diet cost is increased by adding inorganic phosphorus to pig diets to meet the dietary requirements. The amount of available phosphorus can be increased using the phytase enzyme as it releases phosphorus from phytic acid. If the phosphorus absorbed is increased, calcium amounts may need to be altered as this ratio is critical. Performance was increased by adding 250 U/kg phytase and less total phosphorus was needed as less was excreted. Phosphorus digestibility and performance were not affected by calcium concentrations which will need to be further investigated.
The Dose Response to Phytase Inclusion in Diets for Growing Swine (full article)
