Methods for using phytase in ethanol production

A method for improving efficiency of ethanol production by fermentation in an ethanol production facility, said method comprising:

• adding a phytase variant polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence as set forth in amino acid residues 23-434 of SEQ ID NO:
• 2 and having amino acid substitutions M298K and A299T
• to an ethanol processing fluid in the ethanol production facility, wherein the ethanol processing fluid comprises phytic acid, wherein the addition of the phytase variant polypeptide improves ethanol production efficiency comprising one or more of:
• increased yeast cell count, yeast budding or yeast viability;
• increased ethanol yield, decreased glycerol levels, or decreased total sugar levels;
• decreased fouling rate;
• increased phosphorous levels;
• and
• increased operation time of the ethanol production facility when compared to the ethanol production process wherein a wild-type phytase consisting of the amino acid sequence as set forth in amino acid residues 23-434 of SEQ ID NO:
• 2 is added to the ethanol processing fluid.