Effects of two phytases on the ileal apparent digestibility of minerals and amino acids in ileo-rectal anastomosed pigs fed on a maize–rapeseed meal diet

Phosphorus (P) from plant-derived feedstuffs is mainly in the form of phytic-P, which has a very low bioavailability in monogastric animals. The non-absorbed phytic-P may contribute to P pollution, reduce mineral bioavailability and might reduce protein digestibility. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the recommended levels of Ronozyme® P CT 5000 (750 U/kg — RP) and Natuphos® 5000 (500 U/kg — Nat) on the ileal apparent digestibility of total P, phytates (Phy), calcium (Ca), total nitrogen (N), energy, and amino acids (AA) in 60-day-old ileo-rectal anastomosed pigs. In a double Latin square design they were fed ad libitum either a maize–rapeseed meal based diet or this diet supplemented with RP or with Nat. RP and Nat increased the digestibility of P by 148% and 162%, of Phy by 84% and 76%, and of Ca by 44% and 50%, respectively. The total N digestibility was increased by 4% with RP (P < 0.01) and by 1% with Nat. A numerically increase of the digestibility of most of the AA was observed for Nat and of all AA for RP. Threonine digestibility was significantly increased by RP (P < 0.05). The results of this study indicate that phytases are able to increase the availability of proteins.