Changes in phytase activity, phosphorus and phytate contents during grain germination of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cultivars

Phytase activity, phosphorus and phytate contents in hydroponic fodder (up to 12 days of grain germination) of four Tunisian barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cultivars (Arbi, Ardhaoui, Souihli, and Rihane) were studied. Barley cultivars differed significantly in their phytase activity (0.6–1.6 U/g), phosphorus (3.2–5.0 mg/g DM) and phytate (4.2–4.7 mg/g DM) contents. Phytase increased significantly up to 8 days of germination and decreased steadily thereafter. The phytase activity after 8 days of germination was increased up to tenfold in Arbi and Ardhaoui cultivars, eightfold in Souihli and fivefold in Rihane. The increase in phytase activity during germination was accompanied by a significant decrease in phytate content for all barley cultivars (reduced by 92–97%). The decrease in phytate content of sprouted barley by germination should improve phosphorus availability of the grain. Based on their phytase activity and phosphorus contents before germination, barley cultivars are ranked as Rihane > Ardhaoui > Souihli > Arbi. However, after germinating for 12 days the differences among varieties in phytase activity, phytate and phosphorus contents became non-significant. Further research is warranted to highlight the effect of germination on other nutritional attributes of hydroponic sprouted barley and its suitability as a feedstuff for farm animals.