Digestibility of diets supplemented with phytase for pigs under different thermal environments

We conducted a digestibility trial with the aim of evaluate phytase levels on digestibility and nutrient excretion for pigs submitted to thermoneutral conditions and heat stress. We used 24 barrows housed in metabolic cages in climatic chamber, distributed in randomized blocks in a 2x4 factorial design, two environments (23 and 31°C) and four phytase levels (0, 300, 600 and 900UF kg-1 diet), with three replicates and each experimental unit consists of one animal. It was concluded that pigs submitted to high ambient temperatures (31°C) have worse digestibility of protein, phosphorus, calcium, zinc, iron and magnesium and therefore have a higher percentage of nutrients excreted in feces when compared to pigs submitted to thermoneutral environment (23°C). Phytase supplementation did not alter the energy value of feed and the digestibility coefficient of protein, but it increases the digestibility coefficient of phosphorus, calcium and magnesium and reduces the percentage of phosphorus and calcium in the faeces of pigs. We recommend the inclusion level of 300UF kg-1 feed, regardless of the environmental thermal condition.