ABSTRACT
In the feed industry, plant-origin ingredients are extensively used as they are cheaper and easily available. However, there are some constraints that reduce the plants’ utilization in animal feeds. One of them is the anti-nutritional factors that are present in plant ingredients, such as phytate, which is a principal source of phosphorus storage in plant tissues. Phytate forms complexes with different cations, minerals, proteins, starch, and amino acids that reduce the absorption and availability of these ingredients in animals. Phytase is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of phytate and causes the release of phosphorus and other chelated components. Phytases are classified based on their origin, optimal pH, and the site from which hydrolysis starts. Unfortunately, many ruminants and other cultured animals lack this enzyme; thus, an exogenous source of phytase is required in their feed. In poultry, aquaculture, piggery, and other cultured industries, phytase supplementation has been proven to improve the growth, feed intake, amino acid and protein utilization, and absorption of iron and minerals; increase the digestibility of other nutrients; and decrease the excretion of phosphorus.
