The effect of microbial phytase and myo-inositol on performance and blood biochemistry of broiler chickens fed wheat/corn-based diets.

A total of 1,200 Ross broiler chickens were used in 2 separate feeding studies to explore the effect of myo-inositol (MYO) and phytase on performance and blood biochemistry of broilers fed diets formulated to be either adequate or insufficient in Ca and digestible P (dP). Supplementation of diets that were formulated to be insufficient in Ca and dP with MYO resulted in improved BW gain and feed conversion ratio in both experiments. However, these effects were most pronounced in the finisher phase, and moderate negative effects were observed during the starter period. Supplementation of the diet with microbial phytase improved BW gain and feed conversion ratio to a similar extent as was observed with MYO, and there was a degree of subadditivity between the 2 additives. Blood glucose concentrations were increased by both MYO and phytase, though possibly by different mechanisms, because insulin concentrations were not directly relatable to circulating glucose levels, especially when both MYO and phytase were applied simultaneously. The increase in blood glucose concentrations with MYO and phytase was most pronounced in the diet with a lower Ca and dP concentration. It can be concluded that dietary supplementation with MYO or phytase was effective in improving performance of commercial broiler chickens. However, further work is required to explore complex ontogenetic effects of MYO and possible involvement of both MYO and phytase in Na-dependent transport mechanisms.