The effects of forage particle length and exogenous phytase inclusion on phosphorus digestion and absorption in lactating cows

Accurate estimates of phosphorus (P) availability from feed are needed to allow P requirements to be met with reduced P intake, thus reducing P excretion by livestock. Exogenous phytase supplementation in poultry and swine diets improves bioavailability of P, and limited research suggests that this strategy may have some application in dairy cattle rations. The effects of exogenous phytase and forage particle length on site and extent of P digestion were evaluated with 5 ruminally and ileally cannulated lactating cows (188 ± 35 d in milk). Cows were assigned in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments in 2 incomplete Latin squares with four 21-d periods. Diets contained P slightly in excess of National Research Council requirements with all P from feed sources. During the last 4 d of each period, total mixed ration, refusals, omasal, ileal, and fecal samples were collected and analyzed for total P, inorganic P (Pi), and phytate (Pp). Total P intake was not influenced by dietary treatments but Pp intake decreased and Pi intake increased with supplemental phytase, suggesting rapid action of the enzyme in the total mixed ration after mixing. Omasal flow of Pi decreased with phytase supplementation, but we observed no effect of diet in ileal flow or small intestinal digestibility of any P fraction. Fecal excretion of total P was slightly higher and Pp excretion was lower for cows receiving diets supplemented with phytase. Milk yield and composition were unaffected by diets. When phytase was added to the mixed ration, dietary Pp was rapidly degraded before intake and total-tract Pp digestion was increased. The lack of effect of phytase supplementation on dietary P utilization was probably because these late-lactation cows had a low P requirement and were fed P-adequate diets.