Influence of different levels of calcium, non-phytate phosphorus and phytase on apparent metabolizable energy, nutrient utilization, plasma mineral concentration and digestive enzyme activities of broiler chickens

The study investigated the effect of different levels of dietary Ca, non-phytate phosphorus (NPP) and phytase on the nutrient utilization of broiler chickens. A total of 576 day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were offered diets containing 3 concentrations of Ca (6, 8 or 10 g/kg diet), 2 concentrations of NPP (3 or 4 g/kg) and 2 concentrations of exogenous microbial phytase (0 or 500 FTU/kg). Diets with high Ca (10 g/kg) reduced (p < .001) the ileal digestibilities of P and protein. The digestibility of Ca and P was negatively (p < .001) affected by high Ca and low NPP (3 g/kg) diet supplemented with phytase. Phytase improved (p < .001) the digestibility of protein and P and also the retention of P and Ca. Phytase supplemented to diets containing 8 g Ca/kg improved (p < .030) the tissue protein content of jejunal mucosa, but reduced (p < .009) the Ca-ATPase activity. Supplemental phytase elevated the plasma P level, especially in birds fed diets containing 6 g/kg Ca and 4 g/kg NPP. In conclusion, phytase supplementation of diets reduced the excretion of minerals by improving their digestibilities; however, this response was dependent on the concentration of dietary Ca and NPP.