by Dr Gilson Gomes, AB Vista global
technical manager, UK.
The role of phytates in reducing the
availability of phosphorus (P) within
plant-based feed ingredients is widely
recognised, with the use of phytase feed
enzymes to release phytate-P and reduce
feed costs almost ubiquitous. Yet the significant
negative impact of phytate as an antinutrient
in poultry diets is much less well
understood, as are the substantial performance
and financial gains that come from
phytate elimination through use of higher
doses of an appropriate phytase.
Phytate itself, also sometimes referred to
as phytin or phytic acid, is the major storage
form of P in seeds, and is part of a complex
that also contains potassium, magnesium
and calcium. Originally recognised as a key
source of P during seed germination, the
presence of phytate is now also known to
play an important role in reducing oxidative
stress during the germination process, preventing
plant embryo deat