Effect of supplementing zinc with and without phytase on serum and bristle zinc of pigs

Twenty four castrated weaned (42d, 11.39kg) piglets were used to determine the influence of dietary zinc (0 or 50 ppm/kg) and phytase (0 or 200FTU phytase units/kg) supplementation on the zinc status in blood and bristles of pig. Blood was collected from the anterior vena cava and bristles of all pigs were collected at monthly interval during 180 days of experimental feeding. Growth rate (358g/d) was fastest (P<.05) for pigs fed phytase and zinc supplemented diets. The mean serum Zn (P<.05) concentrations of 1.055ppm and bristle Zn concentration (P>.05) of 149.98 g/g fresh tissue were recorded with phytase addition. These results of weight gain and zinc status in bristles and serum indicated that the growth-promoting effect of phytase might be due to overall increase in zinc concentration indicating successful delivery and absorption of zinc supplements.