The influence of rapid protein (casein) or exogenous phytase on the digestive dynamics of starch and protein in broiler chickens

The digestive dynamics of starch and protein were considered pivotal to broiler performance by LIU and SELLE (2015). Thus, for this reason, a comparison of the impacts of either ‘rapid protein’ or exogenous phytase on starch and protein (N) apparent digestibility coefficients and disappearance rates from four small intestinal segments was made. A rapid protein diet was formulated principally by partially replacing soybean meal in the foundation diet with casein; a blend of both diets constituting an intermediate diet. The foundation diet was supplemented with 250 and 500 FTU/kg phytase activity (Axtra® PHY; Danisco Animal Nutrition) to generate corresponding diets. The intention was to compare linear responses to the two treatment axes for parameters of bird performance including starch and protein digestive dynamics.