Use of phytase in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) diets as a strategy for improving nutrient utilization and sustainability

Abstract The use of enzymes in animal nutrition represents not only a nutritional strategy but also an economic and environmental one for Latin American poultry production. This study evaluated phytase supplementation in diets for Japanese quail ( Coturnix japonica ) during the laying phase. A total of 588 laying Japanese quail were used, distributed in a completely randomized design in a 3 × 4 factorial arrangement, with three nutritional matrices (no reduction, 5% and 10% reductions based on the phytase nutritional matrix, including calcium, phosphorus, energy, and amino acids) and four phytase levels (0, 500, 1000, and 1500 FTU/kg). Productive performance was assessed through feed intake, egg production and egg mass, feed conversion, as well as egg quality parameters (shell thickness, albumen percentage, and Haugh unit) and bone strength. The results demonstrated that nutritional reduction impaired egg production and egg mass; however, phytase inclusion compensated for these effects, improving zootechnical performance. From an economic perspective, enzymatic supplementation allowed a reduction in the inclusion of inorganic mineral sources, potentially reducing feed formulation costs. From an environmental standpoint, phytase is expected to contribute to lower phosphorus and calcium excretion by enabling a reduction in the dietary levels of these nutrients, potentially mitigating risks of soil and water pollution. It is recommended that, in diets with a 10% reduction of Ca and P, phytase levels of 1166–1266 FTU/kg be used: approximately 1166 FTU/kg optimizes feed conversion (FCR), and approximately 1266 FTU/kg maximizes egg production (EP), balancing performance, cost, and sustainability.