Effect of phytase on the low phosphorus layer diets based on canola meal

Phytase enzyme is primarily responsible for the better conversion of minerals i.e. phosphorus, calcium and zinc. It is now known to cause the release of phosphorus from phytic acid by catalyzing a series of hydrolysis reactions. Phytate has been recognized as a nutrient because it contains phosphorus. Phytase can hydrolyze the phytic acid present in canola meal. Thirty weeks old 162 layers of Babcock B300 strain were housed in cages (two birds in a cage). Birds were dived into 6 groups and offered different experimental rations having different levels of phosphorus i.e. 0.40%, 0.35%, 0.3%, 0.25%, 0.2% and 0.15% and then further each group was subdivided into 3 replicates having 9 birds in each replicate. Each replicate was reared as an experimental unit. Phytase level was used as 400 FTU/kg of feed in each group having decreasing levels of phosphorus except control group (A). Seven days preliminary period was observed to remove the effects of previous diets. All the managemental conditions like feeding, watering, lighting, ventilation and temperature were provided according to requirements of strain. The results of the study revealed that there was non-significant difference in egg weight, egg specific gravity, eggshell weights and eggshell thickness. There was a significant difference in egg production, feed efficiency, body weight gain and feed consumption. For comparison of means of significant differed parameters, least significant difference (LSD) test was applied. It was further revealed that there was non- significant difference between groups A (control with 0.4% Avl.P), B (with 0.35% Avl.P), C (with 0.3% Avl.P) in egg production and feed consumption and there was also improvement in feed efficiency and body weight gain. Economics analysis of different diets showed that phytase may be used in feeding of layers for getting eggs at low price. It was concluded that phytase is an enzyme which release the orth o phosphate group (for the availability of P) from the phytates molecule present in the feed stuffs of plant origin and also can be used to replace mineral sources of phosphorus with evident ecological and economical advantages.