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RESEARCH ARTICLE

Influence of particle size and microbial phytase supplementation on the performance, nutrient utilisation and digestive tract parameters of broiler starters

A. M. Amerah A B and V. Ravindran A C
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A Institute of Food, Nutrition and Human Health, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand.

B Danisco Animal Nutrition, Marlborough, Wiltshire SN8 1XN, UK.

C Corresponding author. Email: v.ravindran@massey.ac.nz

Animal Production Science 49(8) 704-710 https://doi.org/10.1071/AN09026
Submitted: 17 February 2009  Accepted: 8 May 2009   Published: 27 July 2009

Abstract

The aim of the present experiment was to examine the interaction between particle size and microbial phytase supplementation on the performance, nutrient utilisation and digestive tract development of broiler starters fed maize-based diets. The experimental design was a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments evaluating two maize particle sizes (medium and coarse) and two levels of phytase supplementation (without or with 500 phytase units/kg diet). The two particle sizes were achieved by grinding the whole maize in a hammer mill to pass through 3- and 7-mm screens, respectively. Broiler starter diets, based on maize and soybean meal, were formulated to meet recommended requirements for major nutrients, except phosphorus. Each of the four diets was fed ad libitum to six pens of eight male broilers each, from day 1 to day 21 post-hatching. Phytase supplementation increased (P < 0.001) the feed intake and weight gain, and lowered (P < 0.05) feed per gain in both medium and coarse particle size diets. Coarse grinding improved (P < 0.05) weight gain, but had no effect (P > 0.05) on feed intake and feed per gain. No interactions (P > 0.05) between phytase supplementation and particle size were observed for any of the performance parameters. Phytase supplementation increased (P < 0.001) ileal phosphorus digestibility and toe ash content of birds fed the medium particle size diet, but had no effect in those fed the coarse particle size diet. Apparent metabolisable energy and ileal digestibility of calcium and nitrogen were not influenced by particle size or phytase supplementation. The present findings suggest that the effectiveness of supplemental phytase on broiler performance is not influenced by the particle size of maize.


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