title: Additive effects of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol and phytase on phytate phosphorus utilization and related parameters in broiler chickens.
abstract: Two experiments were conducted to compare the effects of supplementation with 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol [1,25-(OH)2D3] and a commercial phytase on P utilization by broiler males. Experiment 1 was conducted with three levels of total dietary P (0.45,0.55, and 0.65%) in corn-soybean meal diets supplemented with 5 micrograms/kg of 1,25-(OH)2D3, 600 units/kg of phytase, or the combination of these supplements in a factorial arrangement from 0 to 21 d in battery brooders. A second experiment was conducted with a similar design except that it was carried out in floor pens for a period of 35 d. In Experiment 1, maximal BW was obtained at 0.65% P in chicks receiving the basal diet, 0.55% P in chicks receiving phytase or 1,25-(OH)2D3, and 0.45% P in chicks fed both supplements. Bone ash for chicks receiving the basal, phytase, 1,25-(OH)2D3, and combination treatments at 0.45% total dietary P were 26.6, 34.9, 35.1, and 38.8%. There were significant interactions between phytase and 1,25-(OH)2D3 for BW, bone ash, and incidence of rickets. Similar results were noticed in Experiment 2, with the exception that 1,25-(OH)2D3 had little influence on BW from 0 to 3 wk, likely due to slightly higher dietary P. From 3 to 5 wk, BW and bone ash were increased by each supplement and further increased by their combination. These interactions suggest different mechanisms of action for these supplements in influencing phytate P utilization.
authors.affiliation: Department of Poultry Science, University of Georgia, Athens 30602-2772, USA.
authors.forename: R D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Mitchell
authors.forename: H M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Edwards
mesh_terms: D010832:6-Phytase / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects; D002117:Calcitriol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002645:Chickens; D004357:Drug Synergism; D005527:Food, Fortified; D008297:Male; D010758:Phosphorus / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D016226:Phosphorus, Dietary / Q000008:administration & dosage; D010833:Phytic Acid / Q000378:metabolism*; D011201:Poultry Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D012279:Rickets / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary
chemical_list: D016226:Phosphorus, Dietary; D010758:Phosphorus; D010833:Phytic Acid; D010832:6-Phytase; D002117:Calcitriol