Understanding and optimizing the use of exogenous enzymes in pig nutrition

Publication date: 23/07/2024
Extent: 26 pages

Contributions by: Mike Bedford, ABVista, UK

Chapter synopsis:

For more than 30 years, feed enzymes have been used to reduce ration formulation costs by saving on costly nutrients. In this chapter, the authors discuss how the enzymatic capacity of neonate and mature pigs can be augmented through the addition of protease and amylase in respect to the contrast between weaned and sow-fed piglets. They then turn their attention to the hydrolysis of phytic acid and lower esters, their anti-nutritive effects, and optimising phytate hydrolysis. Following this, they examine the benefits of extraphosphoric activities, including the reduction of endogenous losses, increases in micromineral absorption, reduction in the incidence and severity of post-weaning diarrhoea, and impacts on the parturition of sows. They then consider how fibre degrading enzymes function in pigs and, finally, constraints on enzyme functionality.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2024.0140.13