Effects of Microbial Phytase Supplementation and Soaking of Barley-Soybean Meal on Availability of Plant Phosphorus for Growing Pigs

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Abstract
The efficacy of phytase supplement, 1200 U/kg, produced by Aspergillus niger on phytin phosphorus (P) availability was assayed in a 6 × 6 Latin square designed digestibility and balance trial with growing pigs at live weight 35–88 kg. The pigs were fed on barley-soybean meal diets without inorganic P either soaked for 3 h or without soaking. The P content of the control diet with added inorganic P was 6.5 g and that of unsupplemented diets 3.7 g/kg. The calcium content was 8.0 g/kg in all diets, and in the composition of other nutrients, the diets were equal. Soaking of the meal had no effect on digestibility of any nutrient. The digestibility of ash in a diet supplemented with phytase was improved (PPPPP<0.001) was achieved than from the unsupplemented diets. Calcium digestibility and retention tended to be higher in phytase-treated diets. Owing to its effect on phytate P availability in a barley-soybean meal diet, phytase treatment of feedstuffs allows a greater proportion of the pig's P requirement to be met by P of plant origin and results in reduced losses of dietary P in faeces and urine.