Effects of the withdrawal of vitamin trace mineral mixture from broiler finisher diet supplemented with phytase on growth performance, visceral organ weights and feed cost

Abstract

Objective of this study was to determine the effects of the withdrawal of vitamin trace mineral mixture (VTM) from a broiler finisher diet supplemented with phytase on growth performance, visceral organ weights and feed cost. Giving a completely randomize design in 2 (0 or 1000 FTU phytase /Kg) * 2 (0 or 2.5 g VTM/kg) factorial arrangement, 128 broiler chicks received one of the four experimental diets ad libitum, from day 23-43. Withdrawal of VTM reduced feed intake, live weight and weight gain while increasing the relative weight of the visceral organs. Removal of VTM reduced the tibia length but had no effect on ash content. Costs per Kg empty carcass and Kg of saleable carcass were lowest when VTM free diet was supplemented with phytase. It is concluded that, despite inferior growth performance, withdrawal of VTM is financially profitable if the diet is supplemented with phytase supplemented.