Phytase (myo-inositolhexakisphosphate phosphohydrolase)
degrades phytates to release phosphate and other
essential ions. It is widespread in nature, found in plants,
animals and microorganisms. The use of phytase reduces P
excretion in monogastric animals and avoids supplementation
of feeds with inorganic phosphate. Animal stomach
is the main functional site for phytase-mediated dephosphorylation
in the GI tract. Therefore, an ideal commercial
phytase should be active and stable under acidic conditions
prevailing in the gastric environment, and should be
resistant to proteolytic enzymes like pepsin and trypsin