Product Description
Also known as: Phytase powder, phytase feed additive, 6-phytase, microbial phytase (feed grade).
Short names: Phytase 5K, Phytase 10K, Thermostable Phytase.
Overview
Phytase is an exogenous enzyme used in non-ruminant nutrition to hydrolyze phytic acid (inositol hexaphosphate) in plant ingredients, releasing inorganic phosphate and improving the bioavailability of phosphorus, calcium, and other micronutrients. Commercial feed phytases are commonly manufactured by microbial fermentation (for example, recombinant expression in yeast hosts such as Pichia pastoris) and formulated into stable powders or granules for premixes and compound feed.
Key Product Variants
- Common Phytase (Standard) — activity ~5,000 FTU/g (powder)
- High-activity Phytase — activity ~10,000 FTU/g (powder/granule)
- Thermostable / Heat-stable Phytase — engineered or formulated for improved survival during pelleting (available 10,000–17,500 FTU/g in the market).
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Typical value/notes |
|---|---|
| Form | Free-flowing powder or sieved granule (particle/granule options available for premix use) |
| Color | Off-white to pale yellow / amber (batch color variation normal) |
| Enzyme activity | 5,000; 10,000; optionally up to 17,500 FTU/g (FTU = phytase unit; assay at 37°C, pH 5.5). |
| Assay definition | 1 FTU (unit) = amount of enzyme that releases 1 μmol inorganic phosphate per minute from sodium phytate at 37°C, pH 5.5 (standard assay). |
| Moisture (loss on drying) | ≤ 8–10% (typical commercial spec; lower is better for shelf stability). |
| Bulk density | Powder/granule: ~0.5–1.35 g/cm³ depending on formulation (example commercial products list 0.65–1.35 g/cm³ for granules). |
| Particle size | Sieved granules ~0.6–1.2 mm common; powder mesh options available for premix processing. |
| pH & activity profile | Active in mildly acidic to neutral gut conditions (typical assays at pH 5.5); activity profile and gastric protease tolerance vary by enzyme source and formulation. |
| Thermal tolerance | Standard grades: limited tolerance to extreme pelleting temperatures; thermostable grades are formulated/engineered to retain >50% activity at higher pelleting conditions — check specific retention curves. |
| Heavy metals/microbiology | Manufactured to meet feed additive limits (lead, arsenic, microbial limits — COA issued per batch recommended). |
| Packing | 25 kg kraft/PE composite bag (other pack sizes on request). Store sealed in a cool, dry place. |
| Shelf life | Typically 12–24 months depending on product and storage conditions; follow supplier COA and storage recommendations. |
Why Feed Phytase Matters
- Reduce inorganic phosphorus top-up: phytase releases plant-bound phosphorus, allowing feed formulators to reduce or replace some inorganic phosphate supplements and lower feed cost.
- Lower environmental load: well-selected phytase programs can substantially reduce phosphorus excretion from monogastric animals (published studies report large reductions in P excretion depending on dose and diet).
- Improve overall nutrient availability: phytase can help liberate not only P but also improve the availability of amino acids, starch, and certain trace minerals — improving feed conversion and performance in many trials.
- Processing resilience: thermostable or coated phytase variants preserve activity during pelleting and high-heat processing, reducing loss during manufacture.
Typical Inclusion Strategies
Notes on units: commercial phytases are expressed in FTU (or IU/FTU) per gram. Target inclusion is typically described as FTU per kilogram of finished feed (e.g., 500 FTU/kg = 500 FTU per kilogram of feed).
Worked formula (how to calculate grams per metric ton):
Required grams of product per tonne (g/t) = (target FTU per kg × 1,000 kg) ÷ (product FTU per g)
Example calculations (common targets) — totals are per 1 metric tonne (1,000 kg) of finished feed:
| Product activity (FTU/g) | Target (FTU/kg feed) | Required addition (g / tonne feed) |
|---|---|---|
| 5,000 FTU/g | 500 FTU/kg | 100 g/t |
| 5,000 FTU/g | 1,000 FTU/kg | 200 g/t |
| 5,000 FTU/g | 1,500 FTU/kg | 300 g/t |
| 10,000 FTU/g | 500 FTU/kg | 50 g/t |
| 10,000 FTU/g | 1,000 FTU/kg | 100 g/t |
| 10,000 FTU/g | 1,500 FTU/kg | 150 g/t |
These examples show how a higher-activity product reduces required handling weight and premix volume. Industry practice commonly targets 500–1,000 FTU/kg for standard P-release programs; higher inclusion (≥1,500 FTU/kg) may be used to pursue extra-phosphoric benefits (improved amino acid or energy availability). See supplier technical guidance for species-specific recommendations.
Feeding Recommendations (by species)
- Broilers: typical program 500–1,000 FTU/kg. For starter/young birds or marginal-P diets, use higher inclusion and consult technical support for Ca:P balancing.
- Layers / Breeders: inclusion depends on target bone health and egg phosphorus content; standard ranges 500–1,000 FTU/kg with adjustments for Ca: P.
- Pigs (weaners/growers): 500–1,500 FTU/kg depending on diet and production stage; higher levels often show extra-phosphoric benefits.
- Aquaculture: phytase can be used, but dose and water stability must be matched to species and feed form — consult technical team.
- Premix practice: always blend phytase into a carrier premix and add uniformly to the batch. Avoid direct addition to hot mash or freshly pelleted feed where the enzyme could be denatured unless using a high-temperature-tolerant product.
Handling, Storage & Safety
- Store sealed in a cool, dry place (avoid >25°C and high humidity). Shelf life depends on product grade — check supplier COA (typical range 12–24 months).
- Powdered enzymes are proteinaceous and can be respiratory sensitizers — use dust controls, local extraction, and personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling unpacked powder. Premix handling and pelleting teams should follow occupational hygiene practices. (Regulatory safety reports note dust inhalation risk for powder additives.)
- Avoid repeated wetting and drying (do not store in damp areas) to prevent activity loss and caking.
- Where pelleting is used, ask suppliers for activity-retention data under your specific pelleting temperature/pressure regimes (thermostable versions or coated granules may be required to maintain effective activity).
Quality Control & Contractual Checklist
- Batch Certificate of Analysis (COA) showing declared FTU/g, moisture, bulk density, heavy metals, and microbiological limits.
- Assay method statement (ISO / AOAC / JECFA assay details for FTU definition and test method).
- Pelleting stability/activity retention curve under typical press/temperature conditions
- Recommended handling and premix procedure, species-specific technical advisory, and returnable trial data where possible.
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and storage/transport instructions.
Procurement Notes:
- Specify the required activity (FTU/g) and test method in the purchase contract.
- Write acceptance limits and allowable activity tolerance into the COA clause (for example: declared activity ± x%).
- Request sample packs and a small trial run; ask for full traceability of the fermentation batch and formulation process.
- Negotiate packaging options (25 kg bag standard; bulk IBC or big bag options on request) and lead times for coated or thermostable variants.
Sources:
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations / World Health Organization Expert Committee on Food Additives. (2015). Evaluation of certain food additives: Seventy-sixth report of the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (WHO Technical Report Series No. 974). World Health Organization. https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/77752/WHO_TRS_974_eng.pdf
- Madsen, C. K., Brinch-Pedersen, H., Holme, I. B., Dionisio, G., & Knudsen, S. (2019). Lab-scale preparation and QC of phytase assay substrate and methodology for measuring phytase activity. PLoS ONE, 14(6), e0218610. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0218610
- Thorsen, M., Lillevang, S. K., Sørensen, H. R., & Pedersen, N. R. (2021). Safety and efficacy profile of a phytase produced by microbial fermentation. Frontiers in Nutrition, 8, 698274. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2021.698274
- Huvepharma. (n.d.). Intrinsic heat stability of a phytase. Huvepharma. Retrieved September 25, 2025, from https://www.huvepharma.com/news/article/intrinsic-heat-stability-of-a-phytase
- Pandya, K. A., Shah, A., & Shah, A. (2011). Industrial fungal enzymes: An occupational allergen. Journal of Allergy, 2011, 682574. https://doi.org/10.1155/2011/682574
- O’Connor, T. M., Bourke, J. F., Jones, M., & Brennan, N. (2001). Occupational asthma due to the enzymes phytase and β-glucanase. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 58(7), 441–442. https://doi.org/10.1136/oem.58.7.441
- Basketter, D., Moreno, N., & Simonsen, M. (2021). Occupational exposure limits for enzymes: Practical considerations. International Journal of Pulmonary & Respiratory Sciences, 5(1), 555651. https://doi.org/10.19080/IJOPRS.2021.05.555651
Note: The figures given above are representative commercial ranges and worked examples. For procurement contracts, require supplier COA, stability data under your processing conditions (especially pelleting), and a technical service plan for formula adjustment and on-farm trials.
