European Journal of Biotechnology and Bioscience

Authors
Sonia Dahiya, Namita Singh

Abstract
The present usage of phytase feed enzymes by poultry producers are substantially greater than anticipated when they were first introduced. Increasing ecological concerns in relation to P pollution, a better appreciation of the application of microbial phytases, and their decreasing inclusion costs, has contributed to this increasing acceptance. During the past 15 years, research on the evaluation of microbial phytases in diets for simple-stomached species has rapidly expanded, but much of the focus of this research has been on the evaluation of various phytases from different sources rather than the investigation of the underlying factors causing variability in phytase responses. Fundamental information in respect of phytate and phytase is lacking in many aspects, which needs to be generated and integrated for a more complete understanding of this subject. At the close of the 20th century, annual sales of phytase as an animal feed additive were estimated to be $500 million. Evolution of the market for this feed additive can be attributed to a chain of events during the late 20th century that created the demand for the enzyme, and thus, provided a means for its commercial development (Abelson 1999).rnIn the present study extra cellular phytase of Bacillus cereus was produced in nutrient broth medium in shake flasks at 37◦C for 72 h at 150 rev/min. 80% ammonium sulphate saturated and dialyzed enzyme was taken as crude phytase enzyme. Different enzyme doses viz 10, 25, 50 and 100 units were applied on animal feed (pig and poultry) and released phosphorus was estimated to check the efficacy of the enzyme.