Source: MEATINGPLACE, 4/12/17

Researchers in England and Denmark say they have discovered how to breed wheat naturally to produce high levels of phytase, an enzyme needed to release the phosphorous vital for healthy bone growth in chickens.

Nutritionists have ensured correct mineral balance in the diet of chickens through supplements, but phosphorous supplementation is expensive, according to researchers at Nottingham Trent University in England and Aarhus University in Denmark.

The scientists conducted a poultry nutrition trial to compare the new source of phytase to traditional poultry diet formulations. They found that inclusion of the high phytase wheat in poultry feed is a highly effective way to unlock the phosphorous in the diet for use by the animal.

“Aiming for high phytase activity in wheat grains has been a key research target for many years. Reaching it was a milestone, but seeing that it works well in animal feeding is extremely satisfactory,” Henrik Brinch-Pedersen of Aarhus University’s Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics said in a press release.

The study’s published abstract can be viewed here.

Plant Bioscience Ltd. of Norwich, U.K. funded the study. The company is now working with partners in the plant breeding and feed industry to bring the innovation into use.

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