By Dr Gustavo Cordero and Dr Rob ten Doeschate, AB Vista
As the use of phytase feed enzymes has grown in recent years, so too has interest in the potential benefits to be gained not just from the release of valuable phosphorus bound up in feed ingredient phytates, but also from elimination of phytate itself. The concept of superdosing – defined as the addition of sufficient phytase to quickly destroy all phytate present in the diet – is now well-proven in delivering increased performance for both swine and poultry.
Phytate is both a nutrient and an anti-nutrient, being categorised as the former due to its phosphorus content and the latter due to the detrimental effects phytate can have on nutrient digestibility and absorption. Phytate binds to essential nutrients within the intestine, rendering them less available to the pig's digestive enzymes, and forcing additional digestive secretions in an effort to compensate – a reaction that is both nutrient inefficient and potentially damaging to the delicate gut wall lining.