# The Role of Phosphorus Sources and Phytase in Growth Performance and Feed Digestibility in Broilers

## TL;DR

This study examines how different phosphorus sources and phytase levels affect broiler growth and feed digestibility, aiming to improve feed efficiency and sustainability.

## Contribution

The study reveals that calcium humophosphate (CHP) with phytase improves phosphorus digestibility and feed conversion in broilers.

## Key findings

- Phytase supplementation at 1000 and 2000 FTU/kg improved feed conversion ratio and phosphorus digestibility.
- Broilers fed CHP showed better phosphorus digestibility than those fed monocalcium phosphate (MCP).
- Interactive effects between phosphorus source and phytase concentration were observed on nutrient digestibility.

## Abstract

Phosphorus is a vital nutrient in broiler nutrition, playing a key role in growth performance and skeletal development. However, its availability from plant-based feed ingredients is often limited, leading to challenges in meeting birds’ nutritional needs efficiently. Feed formulations commonly include inorganic phosphorus sources and enzymes, like phytase, to improve phosphorus utilization. Understanding how different phosphorus sources and phytase levels influence nutrient digestibility is essential to optimize feed efficiency and reduce environmental impact. This study explores the combined effects of dietary phosphorus source and phytase supplementation on broiler performance, offering insights to support more effective and sustainable feeding strategies.

Phosphorus (P) is an essential mineral in poultry nutrition, but its low bioavailability from conventional feed ingredients presents a significant challenge for efficient utilization. This study investigated the effects of different P sources (monocalcium phosphate (MCP) and calcium humophosphate (CHP)) and three phytase concentrations (0, 1000, or 2000 FTU/kg of feed) on broiler performance and ileal nutrient digestibility. A total of 600 Cobb 500 male broilers were fed one of six different dietary treatments with 10 replicates per treatment from 11 to 21 d of age. The birds and feed were weighed at 1, 10, and 21 d of age to determine growth performance. At 21 d of age, ileal digesta was collected from all the birds to determine dry matter, organic matter, Ca, P, and ash digestibility. The results indicated that phytase supplementation at 1000 and 2000 FTU/kg improved the feed conversion ratio and P digestibility compared with the non-supplemented group. The broilers fed CHP showed superior P digestibility compared to those fed MCP, regardless of phytase concentration. The results also indicated interactive effects between P source and phytase concentration on the digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and ash. The findings suggest that CHP enhances nutrient digestibility and could optimize P utilization in broiler diets with phytase inclusion. This report reveals a better understanding of the effects of P sources and phytase concentration on feed digestibility. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and support improvements in broiler performance under commercial production conditions.