Microbial Phytase as a Way to Improve Growth Performance of Weaned Piglets and to Reduce Phosphorus Excretion

The microbial phytase preparation (Aspergillus niger, NATUPHOS) was supplemented to a basal ration 750 FTU/kg feed and the effects on growth performance of weaned piglets were studied. The supplementation of microbial phytase improved slightly Daily Weight Gain (DWG), Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) and increases the digestibility and bioavailability of phosphorus from phytate, reduces the amount of inorganic phosphorus needed to maximize growth and bone mineralization and markedly reduces fecal excretion of phosphorus. At the end of experimental period, Daily Weight Gain (DWG) was increased 6.15% more and Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) was decreased 4.7%, compared to the control group. Overall a positive effect of the microbial phytase on performance parameters was observed. The P-excretion in the faeces was reduced by 25-30%.