Effects of microbial phytase and 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol on the absorption of minerals from broiler chicken diets containing different levels of calcium

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of various calcium: total phosphorus (Ca:tP) ratios due to addition of microbial phytase and 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol [1,25-(OH)(2)D-3] on the absorption levels of minerals. In a 42-day experiment repeated three times, 144 day-old male broiler chicks (ISA 220) were divided into six groups of eight chicks each. Diets containing two different (1:1 and 2:1) Ca levels were prepared. Groups 1, 2 and 3 received a diet of 1:1 Ca:tP ratio while Groups 4, 5 and 6 a diet of 1:2 Ca:tP ratio. These diets contained 1,25-(011)2D3 and phytase in levels of 5 mug/kg and 600 FYT/kg, respectively. The faeces was collected to analyse the absorption of minerals. At the end of the study, the absorption levels of Ca, P, Zn, Mn and Cu were increased by the addition of phytase enzyme (p < 0.05). This effect was obvious in the 3rd week. On the other hand, in the 6th week only Ca and P absorption levels were influenced positively by the addition of phytase enzyme. The results proved the positive effect of phytase, an enzyme which is used for increasing the utilisation rate of phytate P, Ca and other minerals in broilers.