Reducing the phosphorus levels in our layer feeds, without compromising bird performance and health, has been a key focus for Wynnstay over the last year as concern grows that poultry manure is associated with excessive phosphate levels in rivers.
Working closely with the team at Premier Nutrition we decided the best approach would be to optimise the level of phytase enzyme in our layer feeds (increasing them to a triple dose) to reduce our total phosphorus levels and our impact on the environment.
What is phytase?
Phytase is the enzyme that breaks down phytate in plant cell walls and releases nutrients that are bound to it, such as phosphorus. Much of the phosphorus bound as phytate is unavailable to the bird so a phytase enzyme is usually added to layer feeds to make phosphorus, and other nutrients within the diet, more available.
What impact does it have on our feed range?
Increasing the level of phytase in the feeds has meant there is more phosphorus available to the birds and we don’t require as much from inorganic sources such as monocalcium phosphate (MCP). By maintaining the available phosphorus level in the feed, which is what the birds can utilise, we are able to reduce the total phosphorus and MCP, therefore, helping reduce any oversupply. Meeting the bird's needs by optimising the use of phytase, therefore, improves nutrient availability and feed efficiency and reduces the amount of phosphorus excreted by the birds.
As a result of the increased phytase levels, we have calculated there is an average reduction of 10.4% in the total phosphorus content of our feeds, and an average reduction of 13.8% in phosphorus excretion per bird per year.
