The phosphorus present in grains is in phytate form, which turns this mineral unavailable to non ruminants. Inorganic phosphates have been used to supplement phosphorus in poultry diets. This practice brings about an increase in diet cost, adverse effects on layer performance and environmental problems. The utilization of phytase is a way to lower the environmental effects caused by this excess of phosphorus excretion, once this enzyme increases vegetal phosphorus availability. This review aims to examine the effect of phytase in substitution of inorganic phosphates in layer diets.
poultry; laver hens; nutrition; phytase
