July 12, 2005

 

Significant role for enzymes in AGP-free feeds

 

 

Feed enzymes are increasingly being regarded as one key element when working towards a strategy of replacing antibiotic growth promoters in pig diets, according to Danisco Animal Nutrition, a global leader in this proven technology.

 

"Some of the components in standard pig feed are known to inhibit the digestive process, including fibre fractions in wheat and the so-called 'anti-nutrients' contained in soybean, such as lectins and trypsin inhibitors," explains Dr Gary Partridge, the company's technical services director.

 

"Targeting these anti-nutrients with feed enzymes such as xylanase and protease improves nutrient release and absorption, at the same time speeding the movement of feed through the small intestine. The net effect is better feed intake, with more nutrients being available for the pig and fewer to fuel the growth of undesirable bacteria in the gut."

 

Danish producers have been trialling feed enzymes for pigs since antibiotic growth promoters were banned there in 2000. Recent research results presented by the Danish Bacon and Meat Council show positive bottom-line benefits from using a xylanase feed enzyme product (Porzyme®, Danisco Animal Nutrition) in both meal and pellet feeds, and reveal a reduction in the proportion of Salmonella-positive pigs in the herd.

 

Peter Jacobsen, pig product manager at Danish feed group, DLG, says: "Enzymes can be effective in all ages of pigs to improve diet digestibility and gut health. While other additives claim to have the same effect, none have the consistency of response of certain enzyme products. Danisco's xylanase appears to have particularly positive effects on both coliform bacteria and salmonella in the gut. We've found the enzyme works particularly well in our piglet diets in combination with an acidifier."

 

According to Danisco Animal Nutrition, as the EU increases its drive to reduce zoonoses, particularly salmonella, feed enzymes are likely to become an increasingly important tool in the pig producer's armoury.

  

Danisco Animal Nutrition, a division of leading global food ingredient specialist, Danisco A/S (Denmark), pioneered the development and use of enzymes and betaine in animal nutrition. Its products are now widely used by poultry and pig producers throughout the world. The company's mission is to deliver innovative, sustainable solutions that increase the efficiency and safety of the food production chain in an environmentally responsible way.

 

Further details are available at www.danisco.com/animalnutrition

 

For further information, please contact:

 

Andrea Barletta,                                          Julian Cooksley,

Global Marketing Manager,                           Account Manager,

Danisco Animal Nutrition.                             Kendalls Communications.

 

Tel: +44 (0) 1672 517777                            Tel: +44 (0) 1394 610022

E-mail: andrea.barletta@danisco.com            Email: julian.cooksley@kendallscom.co.uk