The effect of inclusion of organic acids complex (OAC) and different levels of phytase in piglet diets were evaluated. Forty weaned piglets (7.8±0.8kg) were allotted in a completely randomized block design with five treatments and four repetitions, during an experimental period of 28 days. The treatments were: T1-basal diet with 500 phytase unit/kg (control); T2-basal diet with 500PU/kg + 0.2% of OAC; T3-basal diet with 450PU/kg + 0.2% of OAC; T4-basal diet with 400PU/kg + 0.2% of OAC; and T5-basal diet with 350PU/kg + 0.2% complex of OA. The addition of OAC at the 500PU diet increased (P<0.05) daily average gain compared to the control treatment. Comparing the phytase levels in diets containing OAC, it was not observed difference (P>0.05) in the weight gain. For the daily average feed intake, it was observed a quadratic effect (P<0.05), and the 411PU level caused lesser feed intake. The level of 500PU + OAC resulted in higher percentage of hard feces compared to the control group during the two last weeks of the experimental period. It was concluded that the effect of the OAC resulted positive when phytase was supplemented to the diets of piglets from eight to 20kg.
piglet; phytase; organic acid; growth performance; fecal score
