Abstract: A method is described for improving the nutritional value of a foodstuff comprising a source of myo-inositol hexakisphosphate by feeding the foodstuff in combination with a phytase expressed in yeast. The method comprises the step of feeding the animal the foodstuff in combination with a phytase expressed in yeast wherein the phytase can be selected from the group consisting of AppA1, AppA2 and a site-directed mutant of AppA. The invention also enables reduction of the feed to weight gain ratio and an increase bone mass and mineral content of an animal. A foodstuff and a feed additive comprising AppA2 or a site-directed mutant of AppA are also described.

Abstract: A method is described for improving the nutritional value of a foodstuff comprising a source of myo-inositol hexakisphosphate by feeding the foodstuff in combination with a phytase expressed in yeast. The method comprises the step of feeding the animal the foodstuff in combination with a phytase expressed in yeast wherein the phytase can be selected from the group consisting of AppA1, AppA2 and a site-directed mutant of AppA. The invention also enables reduction of the feed to weight gain ratio and an increase bone mass and mineral content of an animal. A foodstuff and a feed additive comprising AppA2 or a site-directed mutant of AppA are also described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions and methods for increasing the reproductive performance of breeding populations of swine. The swine feed compositions of the present invention are animal feed blends including marine animal products such as a fish oil or fish meal products. Methods include administering to the female swine a biologically effective amount of the swine feed composition comprising marine animal products wherein the marine animal products contain omega-3 fatty acids or esters thereof that serve as a source of metabolites in the female swine, to improve reproductive performance of the female swine. The methods can also be used to increase the fertility of a male swine, and can be used to increase the reproductive performance of both male and female animals by feeding the swine feed composition to both the male and female swine.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions and methods for increasing the reproductive performance of breeding populations of swine. The swine feed compositions of the present invention are animal feed blends including marine animal products such as a fish oil or fish meal products. Methods include administering to the female swine a biologically effective amount of the swine feed composition comprising marine animal products wherein the marine animal products contain omega-3 fatty acids or esters thereof that serve as a source of metabolites in the female swine, to improve reproductive performance of the female swine. The methods can also be used to increase the fertility of a male swine, and can be used to increase the reproductive performance of both male and female animals by feeding the swine feed composition to both the male and female swine.