Phytase supplementation in sorghum-based diet enhances nutrient digestibility, energy utilization, and antioxidant status of Campbell ducks

Sorghum is an energy-dense cereal grain with substantial potential for poultry nutrition. However, its practical use is often restricted due to high phytate content, which reduces nutrient digestibility and mineral bioavailability. This study evaluated the effects of phytase supplementation on nutrient digestibility, mineral retention, energy utilization, and antioxidant status in Campbell ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) fed red and white sorghum-based diets. A total of forty-eight adult ducks (1.65 ± 0.05 kg) were randomly assigned to 12 metabolic cages (four ducks per cage) and subjected to a 10-day feeding trial, which included 4 days of acclimation followed by 6 days of fecal collection. The experimental treatments consisted of red or white sorghum diets with or without supplemental phytase (500 FTU/kg). Phytase supplementation significantly (P< 0.05) improved apparent dry matter digestibility, crude protein digestibility, and apparent metabolizable energy in ducks fed sorghum-based diets compared to the non-supplemented control. Additionally, calcium and phosphorus retention were significantly enhanced in the phytase-supplemented groups, with the highest retention observed in ducks receiving the red sorghum plus phytase diet. Antioxidant status also improved, as indicated by significant (P< 0.05) increases in superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase activities, along with reduced malondialdehyde concentrations, demonstrating lower lipid peroxidation and improved oxidative stability in phytase-fed ducks. In conclusion, phytase supplementation effectively mitigated the anti-nutritional effects of phytate, improved nutrient digestibility, enhanced mineral retention, and strengthened antioxidant defense mechanisms, with the most significant improvements seen in ducks fed red sorghum-based diets.