Swine

Super-dosed Phytase Improves Rate and Efficiency of Gain in Nursery Pigs

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Abstract

The performance and growth of four hundred forty newly weaned nursery pigs were observed over a 35-day trial at the Iowa State University Swine Nutrition Farm. Pigs were allotted to one of four treatments: an NRC derived positive control [PC], a negative control with 10% lower SID lysine with relative lowering of all other essential amino acids and 1% reduced fat [NC], and two phytase levels: 0 vs 2,500 FTU Quantum Blue, with the 2,500 FTU being considered ‘super-dosed’. Pigs started with an average initial body weight of 6.27 ± 0.01 kg., and received feed and water ad libitum. For the overall experiment, both diet and phytase improved ADG and G:F. However, ADFI was unaffected, and there were no interactions. In conclusion, including phytase at super-dosed levels in the nursery pig diet improves growth performance, regardless of diet adequacy.

Keywords: Animal Science, ASL R3035

How to Cite:

Patience, J. F., Gould, S. A., Koehler, D., Corrigan, B., Elsbernd, A. & Holloway, C. L., (2015) “Super-dosed Phytase Improves Rate and Efficiency of Gain in Nursery Pigs”, Iowa State University Animal Industry Report 12(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/ans_air-180814-1354