Importance of cereal phytase activity for phytate phosphorus. Utilization by growing pigs fed triticale or maize diets

Abstract

Both diets caused a phosphorus deficiency, but hypophosphatemia occurred more rapidly while hypercalciura and hypophosphaturia were more marked with maize than with triticale. P absorption and retention were higher with T diet than with M diet : apparent absorption, 65 + 1 vs 48 ± 3 p. 100 intake, respectively (P < 0.01). This was probably related to the high phytase activity of triticale since phosphatase activities (phytase and alkaline phosphatase) of intestinal mucosa were similar in both groups of animals. Calcium absorption was not modified by the kind of cereal given, whereas Ca retention was greater on triticale than on maize diet. The higher mineral retention observed in triticale fed pigs led to significantly higher bone mineral contents. In addition, average daily gain and feed efficiency were significantly better in the triticale fed group. In conclusion, the higher the dietary phytase activity, the higher the phytate phosphorus availability.