Abstract
The effects of microbial phutase on laying performance and phosphorus utilization were examined at different levels of dietary nonphosphorus(NPP) in 320 23-week-old Hy-line brown hens for 12weeks. Diets were formulated 0.275%(T1), 0.220%(T2), 0.165%(T3) of NPP levels, and supplemental microbial phytase was 300DPU/kg diet constantly. Conventional diet(C) was formulated 0.275% NPP level without microbial phytase. Egg production and egg mass were higher in T2 than the others (p<0.05), and average egg weight was higher in T1 than the other (p<0.05). Egg productivity was tended to increase with supplemental phytase compared to conventional diet. Daily feed intake a hen also increased in T2 (p<0.05). Feed conversion ratio was improved slightly without significant difference. Eggshell breaking strength and thickness were not different significantly among the treatments. Haugh unit and yolk color were also not different. Calcium and phosphorus retention in body increased in T2 (p<0.05), but dry matter and nitrogen retention were not different significantly. Differences in nitrogen and calcium excretions were not found among the treatments. But phosphorus excretion decreased in order of dietary phosphorus levels with supplement phytase compared to C (p<0.05). Tibial ash, calcium and phosphorus were similar among the treatments. In conclusion, supplemental microbial phytase in laying diet may help to utilize phytase phosphorus, and could decrease NPP intake.