Phytase is an enzyme which breaks down phytate and therefore improves P, Ca, Zn, Na, Mg and amino acid availability and digestibility in broilers and pigs. Phytases fall into two main categories:
Fungal phytases, from Aspergillus or Peniophera species
Bacterial phytases, from Escherichia coli
Through the use of phytase, animal producers and feed manufacturers can reduce the inclusion of inorganic P and Ca sources in animal feeds, (e.g. dicalcium phosphate and meat & bone meal) without negatively influencing growth performance and with a reduction in the cost formulation.