Swine
Authors: John F. Patience (Iowa State University) , Stacie A. Gould (Iowa State University) , Dean Koehler (Vita Plus) , Brian Corrigan (Vita Plus) , Amanda Elsbernd (Iowa State University) , Cassie L. Holloway (Iowa State University)
The performance and growth of four hundred forty newly weaned nursery pigs were observed over a 35-day trial at the Iowa State University Swine Nutrition Farm. Pigs were allotted to one of four treatments: an NRC derived positive control [PC], a negative control with 10% lower SID lysine with relative lowering of all other essential amino acids and 1% reduced fat [NC], and two phytase levels: 0 vs 2,500 FTU Quantum Blue, with the 2,500 FTU being considered ‘super-dosed’. Pigs started with an average initial body weight of 6.27 ± 0.01 kg., and received feed and water ad libitum. For the overall experiment, both diet and phytase improved ADG and G:F. However, ADFI was unaffected, and there were no interactions. In conclusion, including phytase at super-dosed levels in the nursery pig diet improves growth performance, regardless of diet adequacy.
Keywords: Animal Science, ASL R3035
How to Cite: Patience, J. F. , Gould, S. A. , Koehler, D. , Corrigan, B. , Elsbernd, A. & Holloway, C. L. (2015) “Super-dosed Phytase Improves Rate and Efficiency of Gain in Nursery Pigs”, Iowa State University Animal Industry Report. 12(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/ans_air-180814-1354