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Phytases are classified as 3-phytase or 6-phytase according to the site at which they initiate phytate hydrolysis. The combination of both phytase sources has shown promising results in broilers, suggesting a potential synergistic effect on phytate degradation.
Objective: The study aimed to determine the effects of supplemental 3-phytase, 6-phytase, or both on total tract digestibility of phosphorus (P) and calcium in corn-soybean meal-based diets fed to growing pigs.
Methods: Twelve barrows with an initial body weight of 63.1±3.0 kg were allotted to a triplicated 4×3 incomplete Latin square design with 4 diets and 3 periods to obtain 9 observations per diet. The experimental diets comprised 1) a control diet based on 73.3% corn and 23.0% soybean meal without inorganic P source or supplemental phytase, 2) the control diet supplemented with 1,000 phytase unit (FTU)/kg of 3-phytase, 3) the control diet supplemented with 1,000 FTU/kg of 6-phytase, and 4) the control diet supplemented with both 3-phytase at 500 FTU/kg and 6-phytase at 500 FTU/kg. Daily phosphorus output, apparent total tract digestibility of phosphorus, and apparent total tract digestibility of calcium were measured.
Results: Supplemental phytase reduced the daily phosphorus output from pigs regardless of the phytase source or the combination of the two phytase sources. Pigs fed the diet supplemented with 6-phytase or both 3-phytase and 6-phytase had lower daily phosphorus output than those fed the diet supplemented with only 3-phytase. The total tract digestibility of phosphorus in pigs fed the diet supplemented with both 3-phytase and 6-phytase was greater than that of pigs fed the control diet or the diet supplemented with only 3-phytase. The apparent total tract digestibility of calcium in pigs fed the diet supplemented with 6-phytase or both 3-phytase and 6-phytase was greater than that of the control group.
Conclusion: Supplemental phytase increased P digestibility in corn soybean meal-based diets fed to growing pigs regardless of the phytase sources and the effects of supplemental phytase on the P and calcium digestibility were most pronounced in the mixture of 3-phytase and 6-phytase.
Do H, Kim BG. Effects of simultaneous supplementation of 3-phytase and 6-phytase on phosphorus and calcium digestibility in growing pigs. Animal bioscience. 2026; 39(5): 250775. https://doi.org/10.5713/ab.250775
