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Feed ANFs-Phytate
Phytate is an important source of phosphorus in animal feed. However, the utilization of phytate phosphorus is challenging and requires the aid of the enzyme phytase. Due to low natural levels of phytase in the digestive system of animals, phytate is often not fully broken down and is excreted into the environment, causing pollution. In addition, phytate can interfere with the absorption of other essential trace elements. At BioVenic, we have developed a comprehensive solution to address the anti-nutritional challenges posed by phytate in animal feed. Our offering includes detection methods for phytate, development of feed additives and biological treatment processes to enhance phytate utilization, and support for phytate-related animal research.
Antinutritional Effects of Feed Phytate
In pigs and chickens, high levels of phytate in the diet can lead to reduced performance and decreased apparent mineral digestibility. The antinutritional effects of phytate in animal feeds are primarily manifested in the following ways:
- Phytate can interact with various minerals, such as calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu), forming insoluble complexes that inhibit their absorption. For instance, calcium may precipitate with phytate as insoluble calcium-phytate complexes in the intestine, reducing their bioavailability.
- Phytate can depress protein and amino acid utilization. This is due to the formation of complexes that can alter protein structure, decrease protein solubility, and reduce enzymatic activity and proteolytic digestibility.
- Phytate may directly or indirectly bind to starch and can also inhibit α-amylase activity, thereby affecting carbohydrate utilization.
- Phosphorus is primarily stored in the form of phytates, and since phosphorus sources are limited, supplementation represents a significant cost factor in animal nutrition.
Feed Phytate Solutions
We offer a comprehensive suite of solutions to address the adverse effects of phytate in animal feeds. Our multiple detection technologies and animal model platforms enable us to provide a wide range of products and services, including:
- Analytical Solutions for Phytate
Our advanced Feed Anti-Nutritional Factor (ANF) Analysis platform has developed a variety of pretreatment and quantification methods for determining phytate levels in different sample types. Our detection technologies include spectrophotometry, ion chromatography, HPLC, LC-MS/MS, and more. We provide customized, fast, and accurate testing services for phytate and its degradation products, allowing our clients to precisely measure and monitor phytate levels.
- Development of Feed Additives to Counteract Phytate
Since the endogenous mucosal phytase in monogastric organisms appears to be unable to hydrolyze sufficient amounts of phytate-bound P, supplementing diets with exogenous microbial phytase is a common method to enhance mineral and nutrient absorption. Our feed additive development technology platform can help develop a variety of feed additives, including phytase, to promote the utilization efficiency of phytate phosphorus and reduce phosphorus wastage in animal husbandry.
For more information about our feed additive development solution to counteract phytate, please visit the following links.
Table. 1 Application effects of some phytases in animals
| Animals | Phytase Sources | Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Pigs | Microbial | Improved growth performance and increased mineral digestibility (N, P, Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn). Decreased phosphorus and copper excretion in pig manure. |
| Peniophora lycii phytase fermented in a genetically modified Aspergillus oryzae strain | Enhanced phosphorus digestibility in sow diets, along with improved ash, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, copper, and zinc digestibility. | |
| Aspergillus niger | Reduced energy expenditure in the digestive tract and boosted metabolic activity in young piglets' visceral organs. | |
| Chickens | Escherichia coli phytase expressed in Schizosaccaromyces pombe | Enhanced growth, bone mineralization, and phosphorus utilization in broiler chicks. |
| Genetically modified Aspergillus niger strain | Improved growth, production metrics, and tibia parameters in laying hens. | |
| Fish | Aspergillus niger | Enhanced phytate phosphorus bioavailability in channel catfish. |
| Microbial | Increased serum calcium and phosphorus levels. Elevated body protein and lipid content, with improved nutrient utilization in Nile tilapia. | |
| Aspergillus niger | Improved phosphorus availability shown by significantly higher apparent phosphorus availability and bone ash content, in addition to elevated plasma and body phosphorus concentrations. Reduced phosphorus load in rainbow trout fed a soybean protein concentrate-based diet. | |
| Dogs | - | Increased phosphorus digestibility coefficient in a vegetable-based diet for dogs. Decreased hexa-inositol-phosphates without affecting lower inositol phosphates. |
| Horses | Aspergillus niger | Enhanced apparent calcium digestibility, potentially beneficial for horses on phytate-rich diets. |
- Biological Approaches for Phytate Reduction in Animal Feed
In addition to phytase supplementation, feed biological processing techniques such as germination, soaking, and fermentation can activate naturally occurring plant phytase and reduce phytate content. Our feed bioprocessing technology platform enables the treatment of phytate in animal feed from various perspectives, including microbial fermentation and enzymatic treatment, to improve phosphorus utilization efficiency. We can provide one-stop assistance in the development of biological enzymes, microorganisms, enzyme treatment processes, or fermentation processes, as well as the evaluation of biological treatment products.
- Feed Phytate-Related Animal Studies
Our research platform provides a variety of animal models to conduct in vitro digestion studies, in vitro fermentation studies, and in vivo studies related to phytate. This allows us to detect and analyze relevant indicators, such as the application effects of phytate-degrading enzymes as feed additives and the interactions between phytate and protein or trace elements in animals. We can help accelerate phytate-related animal studies and provide valuable insights to our clients.
For more information, please visit the following links.
- Animal Nutrition and Metabolism In Vitro Model Development
- Animal Nutrition and Metabolism In Vivo Model Development
- Animal Nutrition and Metabolism Analysis
- Omics Solution in Animal Nutrition and Metabolism
Service Workflow of Feed Phytate Solution
Why Choose Us?
Environmental Protection Focus
We support and pay close attention to the environmental protection requirements in animal feeding. We provide one-stop solutions for animal nutrition researchers to help reduce the environmental pollution caused by the discharge of phytate in animal waste.
Comprehensive Animal Research Platforms
Our in vivo and in vitro animal models cover a wide range of livestock, poultry, and companion animal research models. This enables us to assist animal nutrition researchers in conducting studies on the efficacy of feed additives and other interventions related to phytate.
Integrated Service Platform
We offer an integrated service platform that not only provides customers with testing services, but also delivers appropriate analysis and biological interpretation based on the test results. This allows our clients to make more informed decisions and develop effective solutions.
The emission of phytate, an anti-nutritional factor in animal feed, results in significant economic losses for the animal breeding industry due to the waste of phosphorus. BioVenic's specialized solutions address this challenge by providing:
- Phytate detection and quantification services: Our advanced analytical capabilities can accurately measure phytate levels in various feed and animal samples.
- Feed additive and bioprocess development: We leverage our expertise to develop feed additives, including phytase, and biological treatment processes to enhance the utilization of phytate phosphorus.
- Comprehensive animal studies: Our research platforms enable us to conduct in vitro and in vivo studies to evaluate the efficacy of phytate-related interventions and understand the interactions between phytate and other nutrients.
If you are interested in solutions for addressing the antinutritional effects of phytate in animal feed, please contact us with your research needs. BioVenic provides tailored solution that meets your specific requirements.