Enzyme phytase supplementation on the production performance and cost effectiveness in layers

A study was carried out to find out the effect of enzyme phytase (One g contained 2410 U of phytase activity) supplemented at 300, 600, 900 and 1200 U/kg in layer chicken diets containing available phosphorus (AP) at 0.20, 0.25, and 0.30 per cent from 21 to 52 weeks of age. A control group fed with diet containing 0.50 per cent AP alone was also maintained. The inclusion of phytase in layer chicken diets containing different levels of available phosphorus 0.2, 0.25 and 0.3 per cent has significantly (P<0.01) improved the body weight of layer chicken when compared to unsupplemented groups. During the laying period the data on hen housed and hen day egg production showed significant increase in egg production after 40 weeks of age by supplementation of phytase. The significant (P<0.05) difference in overall (21–52 weeks) mean feed consumption was observed. The higher feed consumption (g/bird/day) was recorded in 0.2 AP phosphorus without phytase. The feed efficiency (kg of feed per dozen of eggs) was improved by addition of phytase when compared to respective unsupplemented groups. The performance of layers fed diet with 0.30 per cent AP with 300 IU per kg phytase supplementation was comparable to the SIS recommendation