Dose-dependent effects of phytase supplementation in the diets of Hubbard Broiler Chicks on production performance, economic efficiency, physical meat quality, and intestinal histomorphometry

Abstract

The addition of microbial phytase is crucial for lowering the reliance on inorganic forms of phosphorus and enhancing the absorption of various minerals. The present investigation sets out to ascertain the optimal outcomes of dose-dependent phytase supplementation on production performance, economic efficiency, physical meat quality, and intestinal histomorphometry in Hubbard broiler chickens. A total of 270-days-old Hubbard broilers were distributed randomly among six groups. The experimental setup consisted of: Group 1 (G1) served as the control and was provided with standard basal diets, while G2, G3, G4, G5, and G6 were supplemented with standard basal diets containing 50, 75, 100, 150, and 200gm/ton of phytase, respectively. Weekly recordings of productive performance were conducted throughout the experimental duration. At the end of the study, specimens of both intestine and meat were collected from every pen. The best outcomes regarding body weight, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio were noted for G5 and G6. The economic appraisal revealed that G6 had the lowest feed costs per kilogram of body weight and the highest revenue and economic efficiency. Intestinal morphological examination supported these findings, showed that phytase supplementation significantly improved villi length and crypt depth, with the greatest enhancement seen in groups G5 and G6. Water holding capacity and shear force exhibited notable increases in G5 and G6. In conclusion, incorporating a higher dosage of phytase (200gm/ton) in broiler diets has the potential to decrease overall feed costs per kilogram of body weight gain, enhance growth performance, economic efficiency, and intestinal histomorphometry, and have no adverse effects on meat quality.