Effects of Fungal Phytase on Utilization of Dietary Protein and Minerals, and Dephosphorylation of Phytic Acid in the Alimentary Tract of Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus Fed an All-Plant-Protein Diet

A feeding trial was conducted to quantify the effects of phytase at levels of 0, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 4,000, and 8,000 units (U) per kg diet on utilization of dietary protein and minerals by fingerling (12 g) channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus fed an all‐plant‐protein diet composed of soybean meal, corn, and wheat middlings. The effects of phytase on dephosphorylation of phytic acid (phytate) in the alimentary tract of catfish also were determined. After 14 wk, mean weight gains (30.2–43.9 g/fish), feed conversion ratios (2.27–2.40 g feed consumed/g weight gain), protein efficiency ratios (1.47–1.61 g weight gaid/g protein consumed), and dietary protein retentions (23.8–26.7%) did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) among treatment groups. A digestibility trial conducted after the feeding trial showed no difference (P > 0.05) in mean digestibility of diet dry matter (49.0–58.3%) or crude protein (85.4‐88.5%) among treatment groups. Concentrations of ash (46.7–48.6%), calcium (Ca, 17.9–18.5%), phosphorus (P, 9.1–9.5%), and manganese (Mn, 65.5–74.1 mg/kg) were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) in bone of fish fed ≥ 500 U/kg than in bone of fish fed 0 U/kg (ash, 43.5%; Ca, 16.4%; P, 8.4%; and Mn, 49.0 ma/kg), but concentrations of these minerals did not differ (P > 0.05) in bone of fish fed ≥ 500 Uk/g. The magnesium (Mg) content of bone did not differ (P > 0.05) between fish fed 0 U/kg (0.29%) or 500 U/kg (0.34%), but was significantly lower in fish fed 0 U/kg than in fish fed ≥ 1,000 U/kg (0.35–37%). Bone Mg levels did not differ (P > 0.05) among fish fed ≥ 500 U/kg. The amount of zinc (Zn) in bone of fish fed 8,000 U/kg (153.3 mg/kg) was significantly higher than that in fish fed 0 U/kg (115.7 mg/kg) or 500 U/kg (130.3 mg/ kg), but did not differ from Zn levels in bone of fish fed 1,000–4,000 U/kg (134.5–135.8 mg/ kg). Dephosphorylation of phytate occurred primarily in the stomach within 2–8 h after diet ingestion, depending on the level of phytase supplementation. Initial levels of total phytate in the diet decreased 32–94% in stomach contents of fish fed l,000–8,000 U/kg within 2 h after feeding. Eight hours after feeding, stomach contents of fish fed ≥ 1,000 U/kg contained less than 6% of initial total dietary phytate. Stomach contents of fish fed 500 U/kg retained 92% of initial total dietary phytate 2 h after feeding and 15% of total dietary phytate 8 h after feeding. Results of this study indicate that phytase supplementation at levels up to 8,000 U/kg diet did not increase weight gain or improve dietary protein utilization of channel catfish fed an all‐plant‐protein diet. Addition of phytase at a level of 1,000 U/kg diet was sufficient to significantly increase the Ca, P, Mg, and Mn content of bone, relative to fish fed an unsupplemented diet, and significantly decrease the quantity of total phytate in feces. A phytase level of 8,000 U/kg diet significantly increased the bioavailability of naturally occurring Zn in feed ingredients and increased the rate of phytate dephosphorylation in the stomach, compared with a diet containing no added phytase. Increased utilization of naturally occurring minerals in feed ingredients reduces the need for mineral supplements in diets and results in decreased elimination of minerals in feces. Thus, use of phytase in catfish feeds can be expected to provide both economic and environmental benefits.