The effects of phytase and a multicarbohydrase complex containing α-galactosidase on performance, processing yield, and nutrient digestibility in the broiler chicken

ABSTRACT A 42-day experiment assessed the effects of phytase and a multicarbohydrase complex containing α-galactosidase (CAG) on broiler performance, processing yield, and nutrient digestibility. Exactly 2250-day-old male broilers were distributed in 90 floor pens and assigned to 1 of 9 treatments (10 replicates). A positive control sufficient in phosphorus (PC-P), a PC sufficient in metabolizable energy (PC-E), and a negative control (NC) with less phosphorus, calcium, and metabolizable energy were formulated. Manufactured using the NC, six additional treatments contained 500 or 1500 FTU/kg of phytase combined with 0, 0.1, or 0.2 g/kg of CAG. Broiler performance was determined on days 14, 28, and 42. Nutrient digestibility and processing yield was determined on days 42 and 43, respectively. Day 1–42 FCR was reduced and fillet yield increased when broilers consumed a 0.2 g/kg CAG diet instead of 0.1 g/kg (P < 0.05). Treatments supplemented with phytase alone or combined with CAG had a 42-day BW comparable to the PC-E and were heavier than the NC except for broilers fed 1500 FTU/kg of phytase and 0.1 g/kg of CAG (P < 0.05). Phytase supplementation alone or in combination with CAG in nutrient deficient diets can improve broiler growth and nutrient utilization.