Signis - a unique xylanase and fermentable xylo-oligosaccharide (XOS) combination - accelerates the development of a fibre-degrading microbiome, enabling the fermentation of fibre sources that would otherwise remain undigested, and improving the extent of fibre digestibility earlier in the monogastric life cycle.

At this time, the product is available in North America, Europe, India, Australia and New Zealand.

Dr. Mike Bedford, AB Vista's research director, explained that the product is a result of years of research looking at the beneficial effects of fibre breakdown products on gut function and animal performance: "The industry has seen a series of interconnected shifts in recent years, with a reduction in antibiotic use leading to a focus on gut health, which in turn has prompted feed companies to investigate nutritional strategies aimed at stimulating the gut microbiome.

"Over the last six years, through our research, we have been observing the connection between the production of certain fibrebreakdown products, the gut microbiome and improved animal performance. What we know is that certain xylo-oligosaccharides produced by xylanases act as 'signals' for the gut microbes to develop a more effective fibre-degrading capacity over time. This is the core concept behind Signis and where the product derives its name, from its signalling effect."

Signis has been proven to speed up the development of fibre-degrading bacteria in the gut of both swine and poultry. The product contains a combination of a xylanase and fermentable xylo-oligosaccharides, selected specifically for their beneficial effect on hind-gut fermentation.

Dr Bedford outlined the mechanism of action and explained what this means in real terms for producers: "Signis works via a dual action: xylanase hydrolyses fibre, increasing fermentability and roughening the fibre surface for bacterial attachment, whilst xylooligosaccharides signal to the microbiome to develop its ability to ferment arabinoxylan as fast as possible.

"This signalling results in adaptive changes towards a greater capacity to degrade fibre: effectively, enabling greater diet digestibility by improving the extent of fibre digestibility at a younger age than would normally occur. The end result for producers is improved nutrient digestibility, improved performance and an overall reduction in production costs."

More information on Signis can be found at www.abvista.com/Signis