Enzymes in Poultry Feed: Small Additions, Big Impact!
Introduction
In the ever-evolving world of poultry production, optimizing feed efficiency remains a top priority. With feed accounting for up to 70% of total poultry production costs, even marginal gains in nutrient utilization can result in significant economic and environmental benefits. One breakthrough that continues to transform poultry nutrition is the inclusion of enzymes in poultry diets.
This blog explores how exogenous enzymes enhance poultry performance, digestibility, and sustainability, drawing from the scientific review by Khattak et al. (2006), while making it accessible for nutritionists, integrators, and poultry producers.
Why Use Enzymes in Poultry Feed?
Chickens naturally produce digestive enzymes, but they lack the ability to break down certain complex carbohydrates, especially Non-Starch Polysaccharides (NSPs) found in feed grains like wheat, barley, and rye. These undigested compounds lead to poor feed conversion, gut stress, and wet litter problems.
Enter Enzymes.
Exogenous enzymes such as xylanases, β-glucanases, and phytases help overcome these limitations, offering benefits such as:
- Improved feed digestibility
- Better growth performance
- Reduced gut viscosity
- Lower excreta moisture and ammonia
- Enhanced nutrient absorption
- Eco-friendlier phosphorus management
To explore how nutrient interactions can further enhance poultry performance, read our blog on Nutrigenomics in Poultry: Revolutionizing Nutrition Through Diet-Gene Interactions.
Key Enzymes and Their Functions in Poultry Diets
| Enzyme | Substrate | Function |
| β-Glucanase | Barley, oats | Reduces gut viscosity caused by β-glucans |
| Xylanase | Wheat, rye, triticale, rice bran | Breaks down arabinoxylans, reduces stickiness of droppings |
| Phytase | Plant feedstuffs | Releases bound phosphorus from phytate |
| Protease | Proteins | Enhances protein digestibility |
| Lipase | Lipids | Aids fat digestion |
| Amylase | Starch | Boosts carbohydrate digestion |
| β-Galactosidase | Legumes (e.g., lupins) | Mitigates antinutritional factors |
Benefits of Enzyme Supplementation in Poultry Nutrition
- Improved Feed Efficiency & Growth
Enzymes enhance nutrient absorption, which leads to better body weight gain and feed conversion ratios. For example, glycanase enzymes reduce intestinal viscosity, enhancing nutrient diffusion and absorption.
- Increased Metabolizable Energy (AME)
Supplementing with enzymes like xylanase and β-glucanase increases the energy derived from wheat/barley by up to 16%. This helps optimize least-cost feed formulations without compromising performance.
- Healthier Gut and Litter
Reducing digesta viscosity leads to less water intake and drier droppings, improving litter quality and reducing ammonia buildup – a major welfare and air quality concern. For more on natural additives that promote gut health and barn hygiene, check out our blog on Phytogenic Feed.
- Improved Nutrient Digestibility
Enzymes aid in digesting difficult feed components, improving protein, fat, and phosphorus utilization. Phytase, for example, increases phosphorus bioavailability and reduces the need for costly inorganic phosphate. Learn how fatty acids can further optimize nutrient absorption in our blog on Fatty Acids in Poultry Nutrition.
- Environmental Sustainability
By improving phosphorus and nitrogen digestibility, enzyme usage reduces nutrient excretion, curbing soil and water pollution (eutrophication). This is crucial for sustainable poultry farming. Discover more sustainable practices in our blog on How Sustainable Practices in Poultry Waste Management Can Help Shape the Future.
Considerations for Optimal Enzyme Use
While enzymes offer significant benefits, their performance depends on:
- Feed ingredient composition (especially NSP levels)
- Enzyme-substrate matching
- Bird age and species
- Gut microbiota and health
- Enzyme stability during pelleting
Precision in enzyme inclusion ensures maximum return on investment and minimizes performance variability.
Applications in Broilers and Layers
Though most research focuses on broilers, laying hens also benefit from enzyme supplementation. Enzymes improve energy utilization, reduce wet litter, and help manage egg shell cleanliness and barn hygiene without negatively affecting egg mass.
Conclusion
Incorporating enzymes into poultry feed isn’t just a nutritional trend—it’s a scientifically proven strategy to enhance performance, reduce costs, and promote environmental sustainability. With rising feed prices and growing sustainability demands, enzymes offer a valuable tool for modern poultry producers to stay competitive.
As enzyme technology continues to evolve, precision feeding solutions and targeted enzyme blends will unlock even greater efficiencies and health benefits for poultry flocks.
References
- Khattak, F. M., Pasha T. N., Hayat Z., & Mahmud A. (2006). Enzymes in Poultry Nutrition. J. Anim. Pl. Sci., 16(1-2).
- Bedford, M.R., & Classen, H.L. (1993). An in-vitro assay for prediction of broiler intestinal viscosity.
- Annison, G. (1993). The role of wheat non-starch polysaccharides in broiler nutrition.
- Simons, P.C.M., & Versteegh, H. A. J. (1991). Application of microbial phytase in poultry nutrition.
