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Previously, dietary humic substances (HSs) or protease complexes (PCs) in fingerling channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque) have demonstrated potential for health enhancement. Two trials were conducted to elucidate an optimal HS or PC administration plan for growth and health promotion. The first feeding trial was conducted within a recirculating aquaculture system. Catfish fingerlings were fed a commercial control (28% protein) or supplemented diet (control + PC or HS). Diets were administered through four feeding regimens of either HS, or PC‐supplemented diet. After 60 days, continuous feeding of diets with HS or PC contributed to improved feed efficiency and weight gain of the fish. Similarly, catfish growth was enhanced following the application of HS or PC for the final 4 weeks. Serum lysozyme activity was relatively improved in catfish when a PC or HS diets were offered for 60 days. Feeding either of the supplements for the final 4 weeks improved skin lysozyme activity compared to the control group. In the second trial, catfish were fed either the commercial control diet, PC‐supplemented diet, or HS‐supplemented diet in an outdoor production environment for 60 days. Both HS and PC catfish groups had higher survival rates than the control group. Furthermore, growth performance was superior in additive‐fed groups. After HS or PC application, gut microbiota analysis from catfish fecal at two time points revealed significant variation in alpha diversity, community abundance, and beta diversity. However, the association of dietary HS or PC on improved survival, immunity, and gut microbiota modulations presents their importance as functional immunostimulants in catfish aquaculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the nutritional and metabolic physiology of aquatic organisms is essential for optimizing aquaculture practices and informing ecological models. We investigated the influence of dietary composition, specifically the incorporation of multienzyme extract derived from Pleoticus muelleri waste, on the growth and metabolic processes of juvenile Cherax quadricarinatus. We investigated how these dietary changes influence dietary assimilation and tissue turnover using stable isotope δ13C and δ15N dynamics, in both the pleon muscle and hepatopancreas. Juvenile crayfish were subjected to two isocaloric diets for a 90‐day period: a control diet (diet C) and a diet supplemented with a multienzyme extract (diet E) from red shrimp waste. Despite comparable growth rates, isotopic analysis (δ13C and δ15N) of the pleon muscle and hepatopancreas revealed distinct metabolic patterns between both dietary treatments. The hepatopancreas exhibited accelerated isotopic turnover relative to muscle tissue, irrespective of diet, suggesting a more dynamic metabolic role. Diet E further accelerated turnover rates in both tissues, indicative of enhanced nutrient assimilation and utilization. Consistent isotopic disparities between the hepatopancreas and muscle tissues highlighted tissue‐specific metabolic functions, with the hepatopancreas serving as a metabolic hub. Molting‐induced shifts in isotopic patterns underscored the dynamic interplay between metabolic processes and nutrient mobilization. Isotopic equilibrium was reached earlier for δ13C than δ15N, with lower discrimination factors in the hepatopancreas. While δ13C primarily supported metabolic processes, δ15N contributed substantially to growth, especially in muscle. These findings illuminate the complex interplay of dietary composition, isotopic fractionation, and physiological regulation in C. quadricarinatus. The metabolic enhancements induced by the diet supplemented with the extract warrant further investigation to optimize nutrient utilization and growth performance in aquaculture settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nutritional utility of leguminous products such as corticated marama bean (Tylosema esculentum) meal (CMBM) in quail diets is limited by high fibre levels. This study evaluated the impact of dietary CMBM pre-treated with fibrolytic multi-enzyme (FMENZ) on growth performance, and physiological and meat quality responses in Jumbo Coturnix quail. Two hundred and forty 7-day-old Jumbo quail (29.4 ± 2.72 g initial live weight) were randomly distributed to five experimental diets, with six replicate cages each (eight birds/cage). The diets were a grower diet without CMBM, and the same grower diet plus 100 g/kg CMBM pre-treated with 0, 1, 1.5, and 2% (v/w) FMENZ. Positive quadratic responses (p < 0.05) were recorded for overall feed intake and body weight gain in weeks 2 and 3. The control diet promoted the highest (p < 0.05) gain-to-feed ratio in weeks 2 and 3, and the best weight gains and glucose levels, but reduced lipase levels. Final body weights declined linearly [p = 0.037] with FMENZ levels. Breast pH increased linearly, while haemoglobin and 1 h post-mortem chroma showed positive quadratic effects (p < 0.05) with FMENZ levels. The use of the enzymes did not improve the feed value of CMBM in Jumbo quail diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Florida pompano, Trachinotus carolinus, can be fed soy‐based, low‐animal protein diets. However, anti‐nutritional factors and carbohydrates limit digestibility. Dietary carbohydrase enzymes have been used to improve carbohydrate digestibility in several species and may be beneficial for Florida pompano. The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of using a carbohydrase enzyme complex (Natugrain® TS L, BASF Corporation, Ludwigshafen, Germany) composed of endo‐1,4‐ß‐xylanase and endo‐1,4‐ß‐glucanase (Xyl + Glu) on growth performance, feed utilization, and digestibility in diets fed to juvenile Florida pompano. A growth trial was conducted with iso‐nitrogenous (40%) and iso‐lipidic (8%) test diets containing 0, 0.015, 0.030, and 0.045% of Xyl + Glu. The trial was conducted in a recirculating system with 12, 1000‐L tanks. Twenty fish (mean weight: 23.34 g ± 1.49 g) were stocked into each tank in a randomized design. Growth results indicated that there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in growth and feed conversion; however, thermal growth coefficient displayed significant differences (p = 0.0499) between the 0.015 and 0.030% inclusion. All enzymatic treatments displayed significant differences (p = 0.029) in apparent digestibility of crude protein compared with the basal diet. Results indicate that Xyl + Glu enzyme complex can impact protein digestibility but did not significantly affect growth performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of dietary non-starch polysaccharides-degrading enzymes (NSPase) and phytase complex on performance, carcass, bone minerals, litter, and gene expression (IGF, IL-1β, IL-10, TLR-4, CPT1A) were determined in broilers fed corn-soybean nutrient-reduced diets. Totally, 1200 Ross-308 one-day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned into 4 treatments, with 6 replicates of 50 birds each; (G1) Control group received nutrient- adequate diet without enzymes supplementation; (G2) received energy-reduced diet (-100 kcal/kg) with NSPase (100 g/ton Econase®) + phytase enzymes (100 g/ton Quantum Blue®; 5,000 FTU/g); (G3) received energy-reduced diet (-80 kcal/kg) with NSPase (250 g/ton Enziver®) + phytase enzymes (100 g/ton Phytonex®; 5,000 FTU/g); (G4) received as G3 diet with a 0.5% decrease in crude protein (CP). For all energy-reduced diets, the nutritional matrix of phytase with reductions of phosphorus (P) (0.15%), and calcium (Ca) (0.165%) was considered. Dietary NSPase and phytase supplementation to a low-energy diet significantly (P<0.05) enhanced body weights, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and litter quality (lowered nitrogen, phosphorous, and calcium excretion in broiler manure), with constant bone mineralization. No significant effects (P>0.05) on carcass or blood biochemistry. Energy and CP-reduced diet showed better feed intake, immune organ weights, and mineral bioavailability by decreasing Alkaline phosphatase activity. Moreover, upregulated gene expression of IGF-1 in muscles, inflammatory cytokines (IL-1B and IL-10), immune-related genes (TLR-4) in the liver, and (CPT1A) responsible for energy production. Conclusively, dietary NSPase with phytase enzymes compensated for up to 0.5% CP, 100 kcal ME/kg, and 0.15% and 0.165% units of Av.P and total Ca, with improving broiler performance and environmental impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Sunflower cake is an alternative feed with nutritional potential to be used in poultry feeding. However, the high fiber content and the presence of antinutritional factors can compromise the availability of nutrients in the diet and influence the bone development of pullets, which can be mitigated with the dietary inclusion of exogenous enzymes. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of multi-enzyme supplementation in rations containing sunflower cake to pullets on mineral digestibility and quality and bone mineral composition. A total of 1020 pullets 7-weeks-age from the commercial strain Hy-Line, 540 white pullets and 480 brown pullets, were distributed in a randomized experimental design in a 2×2+1 factorial arrangement, with two sunflower cake levels (10 and 20% for white pullets and 12 and 24 % for brown pullets); two ways of enzymatic supplementation (absence and presence of multi-enzyme complex), and one control diet based on corn and soybean meal, totaling five treatments with six replicates of 18 white pullets and 16 brown pullets. Between week 14 and week 15, a metabolic trial was performed to determine the digestibility coefficient of ration minerals. To assess bone quality of the tibia and femur, one pullet of the 12th and 17th week of age was selected and killed. There was no significant interaction between the tested factors (sunflower cake x multi-enzyme complexes) for any of the variables studied. The inclusion level of sunflower cake did not influence the growth and bone quality parameters of the pullets during the growing phase. However, a presence of the multi-enzyme complex provided significant improvements in Ca, P and Mg digestibility coefficient. It is concluded that the multi-enzyme supplementation in the diets increases the digestibility of the mineral in the rations, contributing to the maintenance of bone quality of pullets fed with up to 24% sunflower cake.

Abstract Florida pompano, Trachinotus carolinus, can be fed soy‐based, low‐animal protein diets. However, anti‐nutritional factors and carbohydrates limit digestibility. Dietary carbohydrase enzymes have been used to improve carbohydrate digestibility in several species and may be beneficial for Florida pompano. The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of using a carbohydrase enzyme complex (Natugrain® TS L, BASF Corporation, Ludwigshafen, Germany) composed of endo‐1,4‐ß‐xylanase and endo‐1,4‐ß‐glucanase (Xyl + Glu) on growth performance, feed utilization, and digestibility in diets fed to juvenile Florida pompano. A growth trial was conducted with iso‐nitrogenous (40%) and iso‐lipidic (8%) test diets containing 0, 0.015, 0.030, and 0.045% of Xyl + Glu. The trial was conducted in a recirculating system with 12, 1000‐L tanks. Twenty fish (mean weight: 23.34 g ± 1.49 g) were stocked into each tank in a randomized design. Growth results indicated that there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in growth and feed conversion; however, thermal growth coefficient displayed significant differences (p = 0.0499) between the 0.015 and 0.030% inclusion. All enzymatic treatments displayed significant differences (p = 0.029) in apparent digestibility of crude protein compared with the basal diet. Results indicate that Xyl + Glu enzyme complex can impact protein digestibility but did not significantly affect growth performance.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of phytase and tannase addition in broiler diets on the growth performance and meat quality of broilers fed sorghum-based diets. Twelve experimental diets were formulated at three sorghum levels (0, 50, and 100%) and four enzyme levels (no enzyme, 5000 FTU phytase, 25 TU tannase, and a combination of 5000 FTU phytase + 25 TU tannase). Data on voluntary feed intake, average weekly weight gain, and feed conversion ratio were recorded and used to assess growth performance. Technical and nutritional parameters were used to determine meat quality. Broilers fed total sorghum diets with phytase and tannase enzyme combination had the highest feed intake in the first (24.4 ± 0.04 g/bird/day) and second weeks of life (23.0 ± 1.06 g/bird/day), respectively. Complete sorghum diets with phytase (83.0 ± 0.88 g/bird/day) and tannase (122.0 ± 0.88 g/bird/day) showed the highest feed intake in the third and fourth weeks, respectively. Broilers fed 50% sorghum diets with tannase (135.3 ± 0.05 g/bird/day) and complete maize diets with phytase (158.1 ± 0.88 g/bird/day) had the highest feed intake during weeks five and six, respectively. Broilers fed a 50% sorghum diet without enzymes showed the highest weight gain in the final week (606.5 ± 32.39 g). Comparable feed conversion was observed in birds fed complete maize and 50% sorghum diets. Dietary treatment substantially influenced the live body, carcass, liver, kidneys, abdominal fat pad weight, and intestinal length. However, it did not affect nutritional and technical parameters or Pectoralis major meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Exogenous enzymes can improve domestic ruminants' productive performance by improving the amount of nutrients obtained from their rations, mainly from the fibrous portions. Dietary inclusion of exogenous enzymes can act synergistically with endogenous enzymes from the rumen during digestion and can modify the populations of ruminal communities and methane emissions. In the present study, dietary supplementation of a multi-enzyme (M-E) complex (Optimax E®) at 0, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.8% of dry matter (DM) increased nutrient digestibility, daily weight gain, and net energy, and improved feed conversion and the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Results confirm that including Optimax E® can be used to improve lambs' performance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of increasing levels of the M-E complex (xylanase, glucanase, cellulase, and invertase) Optimax E® on the performance of growing lambs, their digestibility, and their rumen microbiota, and to estimate NEm, NEg, and ruminal methane levels. Forty lambs (Katahdin x Dorset; 22.91 ± 4.16 kg) were randomly assigned to dietary concentrations of ME (0, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.8% DM) and fed individually for 77 days. Increasing M-E improved feed conversion (p < 0.05) as well as NEm and NEg (p < 0.05), which were associated with increased in vivo DM and NDF digestion (linear and quadratic p < 0.01). Few microbial families showed abundancy changes (Erysipelotrichaceae, Christensenellaceae, Lentisphaerae, and Clostridial Family XIII); however, the dominant phylum Bacteroidetes was linearly reduced, while Firmicutes increased (p < 0.01), resulting in a greater Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio. Total Entodinium showed a quadratic response (p < 0.10), increasing its abundancy as the enzyme dose was augmented. The daily emission intensity of methane (per kg of DMI or AGD) was reduced linearly (p < 0.01). In conclusion, adding the M-E complex Optimax E® to growing lambs' diets improves their productive performance by acting synergistically with the rumen microbiota, modifying the Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio toward more efficient fermentation, and shows the potential to reduce the intensity of greenhouse gas emissions from lambs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Improving digestion in broilers in a natural manner benefits their health. The addition of exogenous enzymes to feed improves digestion and intestinal health. The use of these enzymes improved the weight of broiler chicks in a healthy and natural way. Most grains and vegetable feedstuffs used in commercial poultry feed contain phytates and polysaccharides—non-starchy chemical structures that are not degraded by digestive tract enzymes. Exogenous enzymes optimize the use of dietary ingredients. This study aimed to determine whether combining β-mannanases (400 g/ton) and phytases in broiler sorghum–soybean diets could improve performance and immunity in broilers. Four diets were randomized in a 2 × 2 factorial design, with two phytase levels (500 or 1500 FTU/kg) and β-mannanase supplementation (0–400 g/ton; 158 million units/kg minimum enzyme activity). Six replicate battery cages of 10 chicks were fed each diet ad libitum. To assess cellular and humoral immune responses, 10 birds per treatment were euthanized on day 21. Supplementation with β-mannanase enzymes led to increased body weight and a higher feed conversion index (FCI) (p < 0.05). The phytase factor improved the FCI at 1500 FTU/kg (p < 0.05). Supplementation with β-mannanases improved the immune response by increasing the IgA concentration in the duodenum (95%) and total serum immunoglobulins (p < 0.05). The morphometric index increased in all organs (p < 0.05), and the heterophile/lymphocyte ratio (HLR) decreased by 50% (p < 0.05). Supplementing broilers with β-mannanases in sorghum–soybean meal diets with phytases improved their performance and immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimizing utilization of nutrients and improving protein digestibility, particularly in the early stages of cultivable species, is a challenging task for the sustainable development of aquaculture. The use of protein-digesting enzymes as a feed supplement is an eco-friendly approach to improve protein digestibility. Exogenous enzymes, particularly proteases, have been shown to improve fish growth, nutrient digestibility, immunological parameters, intestinal topography, and most importantly, water quality. Although there is a clear understanding of the role of proteases and their mechanism of action, their role as a feed supplement in aquaculture remains controversial. In this review, we present updated information on the impact of proteases in improving various development indicators and fish health in general. Based on the information gathered from the current state of knowledge, it is clear that extensive research has to be made to broaden the application of proteases overcoming the drawbacks that could hinder its application in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nutritional utility of leguminous products such as corticated marama bean (Tylosema esculentum) meal (CMBM) in quail diets is limited by high fibre levels. This study evaluated the impact of dietary CMBM pre-treated with fibrolytic multi-enzyme (FMENZ) on growth performance, and physiological and meat quality responses in Jumbo Coturnix quail. Two hundred and forty 7-day-old Jumbo quail (29.4 ± 2.72 g initial live weight) were randomly distributed to five experimental diets, with six replicate cages each (eight birds/cage). The diets were a grower diet without CMBM, and the same grower diet plus 100 g/kg CMBM pre-treated with 0, 1, 1.5, and 2% (v/w) FMENZ. Positive quadratic responses (p < 0.05) were recorded for overall feed intake and body weight gain in weeks 2 and 3. The control diet promoted the highest (p < 0.05) gain-to-feed ratio in weeks 2 and 3, and the best weight gains and glucose levels, but reduced lipase levels. Final body weights declined linearly [p = 0.037] with FMENZ levels. Breast pH increased linearly, while haemoglobin and 1 h post-mortem chroma showed positive quadratic effects (p < 0.05) with FMENZ levels. The use of the enzymes did not improve the feed value of CMBM in Jumbo quail diets.

Abstract Background Soybean (Glycine max) meal is one of the important protein sources for fish, but the non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) in soybean meal impair the intestinal barrier function. Here we aimed to investigate whether xylanase can alleviate the adverse effects on the gut barrier induced by soybean meal in Nile tilapia and to explore the possible mechanism. Results Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) (4.09 ± 0.02 g) were fed with two diets including SM (soybean meal) and SMC (soybean meal + 3,000 U/kg xylanase) for 8 weeks. We characterized the effects of xylanase on the gut barrier, and the transcriptome analysis was performed to investigate the underlying mechanism. Dietary xylanase improved intestinal morphology and decreased the concentration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in serum. The results of transcriptome and Western blotting showed that dietary xylanase up-regulated the expression level of mucin2 (MUC2) which may be related to the inhibition of protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (perk)/activating transcription factor 4 (atf4) signaling pathways. Microbiome analysis showed that addition of xylanase in soybean meal altered the intestinal microbiota composition and increased the concentration of butyric acid in the gut. Notably, dietary sodium butyrate was supplemented into the soybean meal diet to feed Nile tilapia, and the data verified that sodium butyrate mirrored the beneficial effects of xylanase. Conclusions Collectively, supplementation of xylanase in soybean meal altered the intestinal microbiota composition and increased the content of butyric acid which can repress the perk/atf4 signaling pathway and increase the expression of muc2 to enhance the gut barrier function of Nile tilapia. The present study reveals the mechanism by which xylanase improves the intestinal barrier, and it also provides a theoretical basis for the application of xylanase in aquaculture.

A 60-day feeding trial was conducted to study the hematology, liver, and intestinal histoarchitecture of Labeo rohita fed with a combination of exogenous enzymes, essential amino acids, and essential fatty acids to DORB (De-oiled rice bran) based diets. Three treatments viz., T1 [DORB + phytase and xylanase (0.01% each)], T2 [DORB + phytase (0.01%) + xylanase (0.01%) + L-lysine(1.4%) + L-methionine (0.4%) + EPA and DHA (0.5%)] and T3 [DORB + phytase (0.01%), xylanase and cellulase (0.075%) + L-lysine (1.4%) +L-methionine (0.4%) + EPA and DHA (0.5%)] were used in the present study. Serum total protein, albumin content and A/G ratio varied significantly (p < 0.05) among groups. Globulin content did not vary significantly among groups (p ≥ 0.05). The Hb content, RBC and MCV count varied significantly (p < 0.05) whereas MCH, MCHC content, WBC and lymphocyte count did not vary significantly among groups (p > 0.05). The liver and intestine examination revealed no visible alteration and showed normal histo-architecture. Based on the finding it is concluded that DORB supplemented with exogenous enzymes, essential amino acids and essential fatty acids with phytase (0.01%), xylanase and cellulase (0.075%), L-lysine (1.4%), DL-methionine (0.4%) and EPA and DHA (0.5%) improves the health of L. rohita. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Litter inputs have great impacts on the soil properties and ecosystem functioning in forests. Rapid litter decomposition leads to decreases in planted forest agricultural waste and enhances the nutrient cycle in forests. The breakdown of litter and the release of various components depend heavily on enzymes. However, the effects of exogenous enzyme preparations on litter decomposition have been hardly investigated. In this study, we examined how these enzymes affected the remaining rate of litter quality, nutrient content (C, N, K), and microbial community diversity. Taking Eriobotrya japonica litter as the research object, five exogenous enzymes (laccase, lignin peroxidase, leucine arylamidase, cellulase, and acid phosphatase) were applied to litter leaves. The mass remaining rate and main nutrient content of the litter were measured during the decomposition period. The microbial diversity attached to the surface of the litter was determined after decomposition at constant temperature and humidity for 189 days. Application of laccase and lignin peroxidase increased litter degradation by affecting microbial diversity, N and K contents. Addition of leucine arylamidase leaded to an increase in N content, and decreased the quality of the litter. The cellulose and lignin decomposition rate in litters was unaffected by the addition of cellulase, laccase, and lignin peroxidase. These results indicate that exogenous addition of enzymes may alter the nutrient content and microbial community, thus affecting litter decomposition. It is imperative to investigate the effects and mechanisms of exogenous enzymes on litter decomposition for regulating decomposition of agricultural waste litter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of increasing levels of the M-E complex (xylanase, glucanase, cellulase, and invertase) Optimax E® on the performance of growing lambs, their digestibility, and their rumen microbiota, and to estimate NEm, NEg, and ruminal methane levels. Forty lambs (Katahdin x Dorset; 22.91 ± 4.16 kg) were randomly assigned to dietary concentrations of ME (0, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.8% DM) and fed individually for 77 days. Increasing M-E improved feed conversion (p < 0.05) as well as NEm and NEg (p < 0.05), which were associated with increased in vivo DM and NDF digestion (linear and quadratic p < 0.01). Few microbial families showed abundancy changes (Erysipelotrichaceae, Christensenellaceae, Lentisphaerae, and Clostridial Family XIII); however, the dominant phylum Bacteroidetes was linearly reduced, while Firmicutes increased (p < 0.01), resulting in a greater Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio. Total Entodinium showed a quadratic response (p < 0.10), increasing its abundancy as the enzyme dose was augmented. The daily emission intensity of methane (per kg of DMI or AGD) was reduced linearly (p < 0.01). In conclusion, adding the M-E complex Optimax E® to growing lambs’ diets improves their productive performance by acting synergistically with the rumen microbiota, modifying the Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio toward more efficient fermentation, and shows the potential to reduce the intensity of greenhouse gas emissions from lambs.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the addition of the enzymes phytase and xylanase, isolated or associated, in the liquid form after feed pelletization could improve energy utilization and digestibility of calcium and phosphorus by broiler chickens. Three experiments were performed using 120 birds each, divided into five treatments with eight replicates per group (n = 3), identified as: experiment 1 (xylanase: control, 1000 IU, 1500 IU, 2000 IU, 2500 IU), experiment 2 (phytase: control, 500 FTU, 1000 FTU, 1500 FTU, 2000 FTU), experiment 3 (xylanase + phytase: control, 3000 IU + 500 FTU, 3000 IU + 1000 FTU, 3000 IU + 1500 FTU, 3000 IU + 2000 FTU). Samples for digestibility tests were collected at 14 to 21 days of age. Therefore, the inclusion of liquid phytase and liquid phytase + xylanase after pelletization in broiler diets has become a relevant way to reduce the inclusion of inorganic P, which can reduce the cost of feed and P excretion in the environment. Furthermore, it is an interesting strategy to avoid enzyme denaturation in the pelleting process.

Simple Summary: The rapid growth of the world's population has increased the demand for seafood, leading to the expansion of aquaculture to fulfill these needs and reduce the pressure on wild fish stocks. Plant feedstuffs (PFs) are often used as the main protein source in aquafeeds due to their wide availability and low cost. However, PFs usually contain high levels of non-starch polysaccharides that limit their utilization in aquafeeds, mainly for carnivorous fish. Solid-state fermentation (SSF) is a cost-effective technological process that may reduce anti-nutritional factor levels while improving nutrient digestibility and the production of several bioactive compounds, enhancing feedstuffs' nutritional value in aquafeeds. Hence, this study evaluated the effects of using a PF mixture (rapeseed, soybean, rice bran, and sunflower seed meals, 25% each) solid-state fermented (SSFed) with Aspergillus niger CECT 2088 at two inclusion levels (20% and 40%) on European sea bass juveniles' growth performance, feed digestibility, digestive and catabolic enzyme activity, and plasma metabolites. Overall, the SSFed PF mixture improved the overall feed digestibility, and utilization efficiency, when included at balanced level (20%) without negatively impacting fish growth performance, but not at the higher level (40%). This study aimed to evaluate the utilization by juvenile European sea bass of a SSFed PF mixture with Aspergillus niger CECT 2088. A 22-day digestibility and a 50-day growth trial were performed testing four diets, including 20 or 40% of an unfermented or SSFed PF mixture (rapeseed, soybean, rice bran, and sunflower seed meals, 25% each). SSF of the PF added cellulase and β-glucosidase activity to the diets. Mycotoxin contamination was not detected in any of the experimental diets except for residual levels of zearalenone and deoxynivalenol (100 and 600 times lower than that established by the European Commission Recommendation-2006/576/EC). In diets including 20% PF, SSF did not affect growth but increased apparent digestibility coefficients of protein and energy, feed efficiency, and protein efficiency ratio. On the contrary, in diets including 40% PF, SSF decreased growth performance, feed intake, feed and protein efficiency, and diet digestibility. SSF decreased the intestinal amylase activity in the 40% SSFed diet, while total alkaline proteases decreased in the 20% and 40% SSFed diets. Hepatic amino acid catabolic enzyme activity was not modulated by SSF, and plasma total protein, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were similar among dietary treatments. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of moderate levels of the SSFed PF, up to 20%, improves the overall feed utilization efficiency without negatively impacting European sea bass growth performance. The replacement of PF with the SSFed PF mixture may contribute to reducing the environmental footprint of aquaculture production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was to establish a simulated digestion model of broilers in vitro using SDS-III, to determine the differences of nutrient digestibility in vitro of rapeseed cakes with different heating degrees and the effect of additional exogenous enzymes (protease Proact and amylase A) on nutrient digestibility in vitro of rapeseed cakes with different heating degrees. A 2×2 two-factor completely randomized design was adopted in experiment. Normal rapeseed cake and superheated rapeseed cake without exogenous enzymes were used as control experiments, and exogenous protease Proact 15 Prot/G and amylase A 0.4 KNU/g were added as experimental groups on basis of the two control experiments, respectively. SDS-Ⅲ was used to simulate the whole digestive process of broilers. The IVDMD, IVACPD, IVSCPD, IVDDMD, EHGE and IVGED of four groups were determined. Each sample was set up with five replicates and one digestive tube per replicate. The results showed that IVDMD, IVACPD, IVSCPD, IVDDMD, EHGE and IVGED of normal rapeseed cake were extremely higher than those of overheated rapeseed cake (P<0.01), which was a better source of rapeseed cake. The IVDMD, IVDDMD, EHGE and IVGED of superheated rapeseed cake supplemented with exogenous enzymes were significantly higher than those of control group (P<0.05), and IVACPD and IVSCPD were extremely higher than those of control group (P<0.01). The experiment indicates that the addition of exogenous enzymes has a positive effect on the improvement of nutrient digestibility, especially on digestibility of feed raw materials with Maillard reaction, which may be due to the certain degradation and release of exogenous enzymes on Maillard reaction products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Soybean (Glycine max) meal is one of the important protein sources for fish, but the non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) in soybean meal impair the intestinal barrier function. Here we aimed to investigate whether xylanase can alleviate the adverse effects on the gut barrier induced by soybean meal in Nile tilapia and to explore the possible mechanism. Results: Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) (4.09 ± 0.02 g) were fed with two diets including SM (soybean meal) and SMC (soybean meal + 3,000 U/kg xylanase) for 8 weeks. We characterized the effects of xylanase on the gut barrier, and the transcriptome analysis was performed to investigate the underlying mechanism. Dietary xylanase improved intestinal morphology and decreased the concentration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in serum. The results of transcriptome and Western blotting showed that dietary xylanase up-regulated the expression level of mucin2 (MUC2) which may be related to the inhibition of protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (perk)/activating transcription factor 4 (atf4) signaling pathways. Microbiome analysis showed that addition of xylanase in soybean meal altered the intestinal microbiota composition and increased the concentration of butyric acid in the gut. Notably, dietary sodium butyrate was supplemented into the soybean meal diet to feed Nile tilapia, and the data verified that sodium butyrate mirrored the beneficial effects of xylanase. Conclusions: Collectively, supplementation of xylanase in soybean meal altered the intestinal microbiota composition and increased the content of butyric acid which can repress the perk/atf4 signaling pathway and increase the expression of muc2 to enhance the gut barrier function of Nile tilapia. The present study reveals the mechanism by which xylanase improves the intestinal barrier, and it also provides a theoretical basis for the application of xylanase in aquaculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exogenous enzyme supplementation is an effective and cost-saving mechanism for increasing the availability of dietary nutrients by increasing digestion and reducing excretion. Objective: To evaluate the effects of phytase supplementation on performance, egg quality, and economic parameters in commercial laying hens fed reduced-nutrient diets from 70 weeks of age. Methods: Novogen White® commercial laying hens (n=256) were randomly allocated to four treatment groups, with eight replicates of eight hens in each group: PC (positive control): conventional diet not supplemented with phytase; diet with reduced levels (RN) of P (-0.12%), Ca (-0.10%), and ME (-14 kcal/kg), and supplemented with 300 phytase units (FTU/kg; RN300FTU); diet with reduced levels of P (-0.16%), Ca (-0.13%), ME (-18 kcal/kg), CP (-8%), synthetic amino acids (-0.01%), and supplemented with 600 FTU phytase/kg (RN600FTU); and diet with reduced levels of P (-0.18% P), Ca (-0.15%), ME (-20 kcal/kg), CP (-20%), synthetic amino acids (-0.01%), and supplemented with 900 FTU phytase/kg (RN900FTU). Results: The layers fed the RN300FTU diet had 2.68% higher egg production than those fed the PC diet. Egg mass produced by PC- and RN300FTU-fed hens was statistically similar. Eggshell thickness was increased in PC-fed hens. Feed cost for the RN900FTU diet was approximately 9% lower compared with that of the PC diet. Conclusion: The best performance and economic results were achieved when layers were fed a reduced-nutrient diet supplemented with 300 FTU phytase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to investigate the impacts of dietary supplementation of endo-(1,4)-β-xylanase in high plant-ingredient diets in on-growing African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). A high plant-ingredient basal diet was supplemented with exogenous xylanase at 0 (Control diet), 100, 150, and 200 ppm, and fed to on-growing (initial weight ca 500 g) fish for a duration of 91 days. Growth parameters, fillet proximate composition, hindgut microbial diversity, hindgut short-chain fatty acid concentration, and blood chemistry parameters were monitored. There were no effects on growth parameters, fillet proximate composition, hindgut short-chain fatty acid concentration, and blood chemistry parameters. Dietary xylanase supplementation caused a significant shift in hindgut microbial diversity, where the 200 ppm treatment showed significantly lower Shannon diversity (2.15 ± 0.13) than the control (2.78 ± 0.21). The significantly lower microbial diversity indicates that enzyme supplementation selectively benefitted certain microbial populations in the hindgut, presumably through the release of prebiotic compounds during non-starch polysaccharide hydrolysis. It is concluded that dietary xylanase supplementation can significantly impact hindgut microbial communities in on-growing African catfish, and it is recommended that future work investigate whether dietary xylanase supplementation can benefit aquaculture production performance in younger fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emphasis over organic livestock production has resulted in increased interest in natural products. This study aims to evaluate dietary incorporation effect of wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) herb on wool characteristics and economics in sheep. In vitro assay was conducted to determine effective inclusion levels of feed additives followed by in vivo feeding trial for three months on crossbred (15) sheep distributed into three groups: control (Con) fed basal diet, groups fed diet added with 4.50% herb either alone (Hrb) and with 0.60% exogenous fibrolytic enzymes (EFE) (HrbEz), the levels chosen on basis of the best results of in vitro assay. Toward end of feeding trial, six days digestibility trial was conducted after which animals were shorn. Wormwood herb inclusions had significant (P

Background: Although phytase has been widely used in poultry nutrition, the effects of the enzyme on broilers fed low levels of phosphorus are poorly understood. Objective: To evaluate the effects of two commercial phytases on live performance and bone quality of broilers fed diets with normal and reduced levels of phosphorus. Methods: Two experiments were conducted with four treatments and six repetitions with 30 birds each, for a total of 24 groups. The first experiment (Exp. I) used a reference level of available phosphorus (AP) with four treatments, as follows: Positive control= 0.45% AP starter diet/0.40% AP grower diet without phytase; Phytase X= 0.35% AP starter diet/0.30% AP grower diet + Phytase X; Phytase Y= 0.35% AP starter diet/0.30% AP grower diet + Phytase Y; and Negative control= 0.35% AP starter diet/0.30% AP grower diet, without phytase. In experiment II (Exp. II) the same treatments were used, but AP levels were reduced by 0.10%. The variables analyzed were: performance from one to 35 days, and bone quality at 35 days of age. Both experiments were analyzed using a completely randomized design. Results: In Exp. I, the positive control resulted in greater body weight gain (2,558 g; p<0,05) compared to Phytase Y (2,470 g) and negative control (2,472 g), and better feed conversion ratio (1.48; p<0,05) than the negative control (1.51). However, when phosphorus was reduced in Exp. II, the positive control and treatments with Phytase X showed better results (p<0.01) for feed intake (3,608 g and 3,593 g, respectively) and weight gain (2,430 g and 2,400 g, respectively) compared to the negative control (2,889 g of feed intake and 1,915 g of weight gain; p<0.01), which also presented low bone ash (36.8%) and phosphorus in the tibia (5.48%; p<0.01). Conclusion: Reducing AP concentration in diets not added with phytase negatively affects weight gain and feed intake of broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most grains and vegetable feedstuffs used in commercial poultry feed contain phytates and polysaccharides—non-starchy chemical structures that are not degraded by digestive tract enzymes. Exogenous enzymes optimize the use of dietary ingredients. This study aimed to determine whether combining β-mannanases (400 g/ton) and phytases in broiler sorghum–soybean diets could improve performance and immunity in broilers. Four diets were randomized in a 2 × 2 factorial design, with two phytase levels (500 or 1500 FTU/kg) and β-mannanase supplementation (0–400 g/ton; 158 million units/kg minimum enzyme activity). Six replicate battery cages of 10 chicks were fed each diet ad libitum. To assess cellular and humoral immune responses, 10 birds per treatment were euthanized on day 21. Supplementation with β-mannanase enzymes led to increased body weight and a higher feed conversion index (FCI) (p < 0.05). The phytase factor improved the FCI at 1500 FTU/kg (p < 0.05). Supplementation with β-mannanases improved the immune response by increasing the IgA concentration in the duodenum (95%) and total serum immunoglobulins (p < 0.05). The morphometric index increased in all organs (p < 0.05), and the heterophile/lymphocyte ratio (HLR) decreased by 50% (p < 0.05). Supplementing broilers with β-mannanases in sorghum–soybean meal diets with phytases improved their performance and immunity.

This study was carried out to evaluate the use of dietary exogenous enzyme (ENZ) products with amylolytic and fibrolytic activity on nitrogen balance and ruminal alpha and beta diversity of Nellore cattle in feedlot. Rumen cannulated Nellore steers [n = 10; body weigh (BW) = 543 kg ± 28.6 kg] were distributed in a replicate 5 × 5 Latin-square design using individual pens. The treatments consisted of a nega- tive control (CON; without ENZ); Amylase [AML, Amaize, Alltech; 0.5 g/kg of diet dry matter (DM); Xylanase (FBL, Fibrozyme, Alltech; 0.9 g/kg of diet DM]; Half dose (HD; AML 0.25 g/kg of diet DM and FBL 0.45 g/kg of diet DM); and Full dose (FD; AML 0.5 g/kg of diet DM and FBL 0.90 g/kg of diet DM; Table 1). The experimental period lasted 19 d (14 d of adaptation and 5 d of collection). Between d 15 and 18, total urine collection was performed to calculate the nitrogen balance. On d 19 a mixed ruminal sample (6 mL of solid and liquid content) was taken 4 h after feeding and stored at -80 ºC until DNA extraction. Total genomic DNA was extracted using the ZymoBIOMICS DNA Miniprep Kit. The library was prepared using primers for the region V3V4 of the16S rRNA gene; 341F (5’-CCTAYGGGRBGCASCAG-3’) x 806R (5’- GGACTACNNGGGTATCTAAT-3’). The amplicons (~ 470 bp) were sequenced with the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 PE 250 platform. The sequences were analyzed using qiime2 with the SILVA database for the taxonomic assignment. Alpha and beta diversities were calculated in Rstudio using phyloseq. All data were analyzed as orthogonal contrasts assuming treat- ment as a fixed effect: 1) CON vs. ENZ, 2) AML vs. FBL, 3) HD vs. FD, and 4) AML + FBL vs. HD + FD. Animals that received ENZ had reduced fecal nitrogen excretion (FNE, P = 0.014) and greater efficiency of nitrogen utilization (ENU, P = 0.031) than animals in the CON group. The FBL treatment resulted in greater CP/ DOM ratio (P = 0.049), nitrogen balance (P = 0.089), and ENU (P = 0.015) compared with AML treatment. No differences were observed between HD and FD for any nitrogen balance variable (P > 0.10). Animals supplemented with both enzymes (HD + FD) had greater values of N intake (P = 0.018), greater CP/DOM ratio (P = 0.006), and greater FNE (P = 0.002) than animals fed either enzyme alone (AML + FBL). The ENZ supplementation did not impact alpha diversity index or beta diversity (P > 0.10). In conclusion, the addition of exogenous enzymes affected nitrogen balance but not ruminal alpha and beta diversity of Nellore cattle in feedlot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out to evaluate the use of dietary exogenous enzyme (ENZ) products with amylolytic and fibrolytic activity on nutrient intake, digestibility, and ruminal volatile fatty acids production (VFA) of Nellore cattle in feedlot. Rumen-cannulated Nellore steers [n = 10; body weight (BW) = 543 kg ± 28.6 BW] were distributed in a replicated Latin-square design (5 × 5) in individual pens. The treatments consisted of a negative control (CON; without ENZ); Amylase (AML; Amaize, Alltech, 0.5 g/kg of DM); Xylanase (FBL, Fibrozyme, Alltech, 0.9 g/kg of DM); Half dose (HD; AML 0.25 g/kg of diet DM and FBL 0.45 g/kg of diet DM); and Full dose (FD; AML 0.5 g/kg of diet DM and FBL 0.90 g/kg of diet DM; Table 1). The experimental period lasted 19 d (14 d of adaptation and 5 d of col- lection). Between d 15 and 18, total fecal collection was performed and on d 19 rumen fluid was collected at 0, 4, 8, 12, and 16 h post-feeding for ammonia, VFA, and pH determination. The data were analyzed as orthogonal contrasts using SAS: (C1) CON vs. ENZ, (C2) AML vs. FBL, (C3) HD vs. FD, and (C4) AML + FBL vs. HD + FD. There were no C1 differences for nutrient digestibility, total VFA, or ruminal pH (P > 0.10). However, a tendency effect in neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intake (P = 0.065) was observed, where animals fed ENZ had reduced values compared with animals kept in CON group. In the same way, ENZ reduced ther extract (EE) intake (P = 0.023), ruminal ammonia (P < 0.001), and isovalerate proportion (P = 0.080) as well as increased proportion of acetate (P < 0.001), valerate (P < 0.001) and acetate: propionate ratio (P = 0.030). No differences were observed in nutrient intake between AML and FBL (P > 0.10), but AML had greater organic matter (OM) digestibility (P = 0.097) and ruminal valerate (P = 0.039) and decreased butyrate proportion (P = 0.068). Animals that received FD had greater values of dry matter (DM; P = 0.009) and OM (P < 0.001) digestibility than HD. The enzyme combination resulted in greater DM (P = 0.026), OM (P = 0.062), crude protein (P = 0.018), EE (P = 0.063) and NDF (P = 0.040) intake and reduced OM digestibility (P = 0.008) compared with AML and FBL alone. The addition of exogenous enzymes in feedlot diets affected nutrient utilization and ruminal fermentation of Nellore cattle fed a feedlot finishing diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to evaluate the productivity parameters and the antioxidant responses in the meat in finishing pigs fed diets reduced in metabolizable energy (ME), Ca, P and trace minerals added with the exogenous enzymes phytase, xylanase and pectinase. Pigs (n = 48) were randomly distributed into 4 treatments: 1) A Sorghum/soybean meal diet formulated to meet all the nutrient requirements, with a mineral premix based on sulfates (Control); 2) Same as 1) but reduced in ME, Ca and P, added with phytase, xylanase and pectinase, the same mineral premix; 3) Same as 2) but with reduction of 33.3 % of the mineral premix; or 4) Same as 2) but reduction of 66.6% of the mineral premix. Pigs were housed in an open building, with natural ventilation in individual pens with solid concrete floor. The feeding program consisted of 2 phases, the first for 28 d and the second for 25 d. All diets were offered in meal form. Pigs were weighed individually at the beginning and end of the experiment, to estimate daily body weight gain. The daily feed consumption was registered. Feed efficiency was estimated as body weight gain based on feed consumption. At the end of the study, the depth of fat and loin muscle were measured at the 10th and the last rib. Pigs were transported to a slaughter facility. Samples of the loin and psoas major muscle were taken to determine the antioxidant status. Data were analyzed for a completely randomized design using the GLM, MEANS, MIXED, and UNIVARIATE procedures of SAS. No statistical differences were found on the productive responses, the depth of fat and loin muscle, fat-free lean tissue and carcass yield. The luminosity in the loin muscle increased (58.89 vs 59.85; P < 0.042), the antioxidant power of ferric radicals tended to be less (3.25 vs 2.90 mg Eq. Trolox/g; P < 0.052) and the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances tended to be greater (0.15 vs 0.21 mg MDA/kg; P < 0.063) in the loin muscle of pigs fed diet 4) reduced by 66.6% in mineral premix compared with that of pigs fed the control diet (1). The thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were greater (0.18 vs 0.25 mg MDA/kg; P < 0.023) and the drip loss tended to be greater (1.1 vs 1.4%; P < 0.056) in the psoas major muscle of pigs fed diet 4) reduced by 66.6% in mineral premix compared with that of pigs fed the control diet 1). Finishing pigs fed diets reduced in ME, Ca, P and trace minerals by 66.6% and added with exogenous enzymes did not show detrimental effects on productivity, but it reduced the antioxidant capacity of the loin and psoas major muscles [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementation of exogenous enzymes in broiler diets that includes fermented canola meal on performance, nutrient digestibility, biochemical indication, antioxidative capacity, digestive enzyme activity, immune responses, and gut health. Five hundred 1-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly allocated into five experimental groups (5 replicate/group), the first group: a control (CON) contained a basal diet, and the second to the fifth groups were fed diets as follows: containing 20% canola meal (CM), contains 20% fermented canola meal (FCM), contains 20% canola meal and exogenous enzymes at 0.02%/kg feed (ECM), and contains 20% fermented canola meal and exogenous enzymes at 0.02%/kg feed (EFC), respectively. At the finisher phase, the best body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and nutrient utilization were associated with chickens fed EFC compared to other groups (P < 0.05). Total protein, albumin, alanine aminotransferase, and superoxide dismutase levels increased (P < 0.05), while cholesterol and malondialdehyde levels decreased in chickens fed on EFC. Likewise, there was a significant increase in the relative weight of the bursa of Fabricius and antibody titer against Newcastle disease, whereas the weight of abdominal fat decreased in the EFC group compared to other groups. Furthermore, there was a significant improvement in the activity of lipase and amylase enzymes (P < 0.05) in the EFC group. Fermented canola meal addition improved gut health (decreased Escherichia coli, increased Lactobacillus, and the highest values of villus height). Overall, these results confirmed that supplementing a fermented canola meal diet with exogenous enzymes improved growth performance through enhancing nutrient digestibility, immunity, antioxidant capacity, and gut health. Thus, adding enzymes to a diet containing fermented canola meal can be recommended as an alternative protein source that could be safely used to replace up to 20% soybean meal in broiler diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Duckweed is a rapidly growing aquatic plant, which could be used in the diet of laying hens to enhance carbon capture and improve land use efficiency. Digestion may be improved by supplementation with exogenous enzymes. We replaced soyabean meal and wheat with duckweed in a 10‐week study with 432, 60‐week‐old Hy‐Line W‐36 layers, divided into six isocaloric and isonitrogenous dietary treatments, each with eight replicates. Two factors were investigated: first, duckweed substituted for wheat gluten meal and soyabean meal at 0, 7.5 and 15% of the diet, and second, with and without a multi‐enzyme supplement (500 mg/kg). Duckweed did not affect egg output or weight, but it improved yolk color (P = 0.01) and reduced the liver enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (P = 0.04) and alanine aminotransferase (P = 0.02) in serum, suggesting hepatoprotective effects. Enzyme addition did not alter the effects of including duckweed in the diet, but it increased feed intake (P = 0.03). It is concluded that, as well as offering the potential to increase land productivity, inclusion of duckweed in the diet of laying hens enhances egg yolk color and hepatoprotection, without detrimental effects on performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Supplementation of exogenous enzymes has been used to improve nutrient utilisation and reduce environmental impacts of excess nutrient release to the environment in swine, poultry and, to a lesser extent, ruminant production systems. Aims: We aimed to determine effects of supplementation with a fibrolytic enzyme, β-mannanase, on feed conversion efficiency (FCE) and milk yield in cows fed a diet relatively low in crude protein (CP) concentration. Methods: Twelve mid-lactation multiparous Holstein cows producing 40.5 ± 3.6 kg milk/day were assigned to three dietary treatments in a three-period crossover design. Treatment sequences were balanced using 3 × 3 Latin squares to mitigate possible carryover effects. Treatments, fed in a total mixed ration, were high CP (16.1%), low CP (14.6%), and low CP supplemented with commercially available β-mannanase at 0.1% of concentrate dry matter (DM). Key results: β-Mannanase supplementation did not affect DM intake, milk yield, or milk component yield and composition. Milk urea-nitrogen was significantly lower in cows fed diets with low CP. Somatic cell counts were reduced in cows supplemented with β-mannanase compared with the other treatments. Apparent total tract digestibilities of DM, organic matter, CP, acid and neutral detergent fibre, starch and ash were unaffected by treatment. Cows receiving β-mannanase showed better FCE than those receiving high CP (13.4% improvement, P = 0.003) or unsupplemented low CP (11.0% improvement). Cows receiving β-mannanase used dietary CP more efficiently to synthesise milk protein than cows receiving high CP (milk protein:CP intake, 0.34 vs 0.30). Nitrogen intake was significantly reduced in the low CP treatments, leading to reduced fecal and urinary nitrogen excretions. Conclusion: β-Mannanase supplementation at 0.1% of dietary DM improved FCE and lowered somatic cell counts of dairy cows without affecting milk yield or component yield and composition, while reducing nitrogen excretion. There were potential daily savings of US$1.03/cow compared with a high CP diet. Implications: Improvement in FCE can be achieved along with reduced dietary CP content and somatic cell counts without compromising milk production through use of β-mannanase, suggesting a potential economic benefit. Furthermore, reductions in nitrogen excretions with low CP diets are beneficial to the environment. We investigated the effect of a fibrolytic enzyme (β-mannanase) on feed efficiency in lactating dairy cows. Enzyme supplementation of a diet low in protein (14.6% of dry matter) improved feed conversion efficiency of cows compared with a higher protein (16.1% of dry matter) diet. Supplementation reduced somatic cell counts, whereas milk yield and composition were similar to those found with the higher protein diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although phytase has been widely used in poultry nutrition, the effects of the enzyme on broilers fed low levels of phosphorus are poorly understood. Objective: To evaluate the effects of two commercial phytases on live performance and bone quality of broilers fed diets with normal and reduced levels of phosphorus. Methods: Two experiments were conducted with four treatments and six repetitions with 30 birds each, for a total of 24 groups. The first experiment (Exp. I) used a reference level of available phosphorus (AP) with four treatments, as follows: Positive control= 0.45% AP starter diet/0.40% AP grower diet without phytase; Phytase X= 0.35% AP starter diet/0.30% AP grower diet + Phytase X; Phytase Y= 0.35% AP starter diet/0.30% AP grower diet + Phytase Y; and Negative control= 0.35% AP starter diet/0.30% AP grower diet, without phytase. In experiment II (Exp. II) the same treatments were used, but AP levels were reduced by 0.10%. The variables analyzed were: performance from one to 35 days, and bone quality at 35 days of age. Both experiments were analyzed using a completely randomized design. Results: In Exp. I, the positive control resulted in greater body weight gain (2,558 g; p

One of the challenges in aquaculture is reducing the use of fishmeal to alleviate pressure on aquatic ecosystems while maintaining protein quality and digestibility. A promising approach is the supplementation of diets with exogenous enzymes, a strategy widely used in aquaculture nutrition but scarcely explored in crustaceans. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a diet composed of 65 % plant-based and 25 % animal-based ingredients, supplemented with a multienzyme extract derived from discards of the native Argentine shrimp Pleoticus muelleri , on juveniles of the red claw crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus. Growth performance, endogenous digestive enzyme activities, and biochemical reserves (proteins, lipids, and glycogen) in hepatopancreas and pleon muscle were analyzed. Sixty-two crayfish weighting ⁓1.5 g were assigned to one of the following treatments: a control diet (C) or a diet supplemented with multienzyme extract (E). Crayfish were individually housed under optimal growing conditions and fed daily 3 % of their body mass; deaths and molts were recorded throughout the experiment. At day 45, fifteen replicates from each treatment were selected, weighed, anesthetized, and sacrificed. The hepatopancreas and pleon were dissected and weighed for biochemical analysis and assessment of digestive enzyme activity. The remaining replicates were subjected to the same procedure at the end of the experiment (day 90). Results showed that endogenous digestive enzymes were modulated by the multienzyme extract. Juveniles fed diet E significantly increased the specific activity of endogenous digestive peptidases and showed a trend of increasing lipases. The multienzyme extract also promoted lipid accumulation in hepatopancreas, increased glycogen in muscle, and reduced protein content in both tissues. These metabolic changes did not improve growth, as no significant differences in final weight were observed between treatments. The results highlight the need to analyze the synergy between varying concentrations of the multienzyme extract and endogenous enzymes within different protein: lipid ratios in diets, to enhance the digestive potential of crayfish and to improve growth. [Display omitted] • Enzymes from fish waste were included in the diet as functional ingredient. • The enzymatic extract boosted endogenous digestive enzymes, especially peptidases. • Energy reserve accumulation was influenced by the enzymatic extract. • Despite improved digestion and altered energy reserves, growth was not enhanced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the effects of β-mannanase supplementation in metabolizable energy (ME)-reduced diets containing xylanase-phytase on performance, fecal score, blood biochemical and immunological profile, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), digesta passage rate, fecal microbiome, carcass traits and meat quality in finisher pigs (n = 40 entire male hybrid, 26.0 ± 0.9 kg) randomly assigned to 1 of 4 dietary treatments: a control diet containing isolated phytase and xylanase valued at 40 kcal of ME/kg (CD0), CD0 + β-mannanase (0.3 g/kg valued at 30 kcal of ME/kg) (CD70), CD0 + β-mannanase (0.3 g/kg valued at 45 kcal of ME/kg) (CD85), and CD0 + β-mannanase (0.3 g/kg valued at 60 kcal of ME/kg) (CD100), with 10 pen replicates. Pigs fed CD0 diet showed (P = 0.002) greater ADFI. However, pigs fed CD0 diet showed (P = 0.009) lower G:F than those provided CD70 or CD85 diets. A greater (P < 0.001) superoxide dismutase concentration was observed in pigs fed CD70 diet. Pigs fed CD85 diet showed (P = 0.002) greater digestible protein than pigs fed CD0 or CD100 diets. Pigs fed CD70 diet showed an increase of 11.3% in digestible protein than those fed CD0 diet. In addition, greater (P < 0.001) digestible energy was observed in pigs fed CD85 diet. Pigs fed CD0 or CD100 diets showed greater (P < 0.05) Firmicutes:Bacteroidota ratio than those fed CD85 diet. The Muribaculaceae was more abundant (P = 0.030) in pigs fed CD70 diet than in those fed CD0 diet. The Prevotella was more abundant (P = 0.045) in pigs fed CD85 diet than in those fed CD100 diet. In conclusion, β-mannanase supplementation in diets containing xylanase-phytase allows reducing 85 kcal of ME/kg because it improves gain to feed ratio, energy and protein usage, and backfat thickness without metabolic and intestinal ecosystem disorders in finisher pigs.

Improvement of feed intake and nutrient digestibility in groups fed wormwood herb added diets have led to higher nutrient density in the diets and thus the intake of digestible nutrients in the respective groups. Despite statistically comparable, though better fleece growth in relation to body weight (FWI) and feed intake (FCW) in groups fed wormwood herb added diets indicate that changes in wool growth was proportional to increased body weight. Keywords: Diet; Economics; Exogenous enzymes; Feed utilization; Fiber quality; Fiber yield EN Diet Economics Exogenous enzymes Feed utilization Fiber quality Fiber yield 9741 9753 13 11/21/22 20221220 NES 221220 Introduction In all developing nations throughout the world, ruminant livestock are maintained in low-input production systems mainly or solely on high roughage-based diets with limited or no access to concentrate supplements (Beigh et al. [8]). Effect of feeding wormwood herb (Artemisia absinthium Linn.). [Extracted from the article]

Simple Summary: The eggshell provides physical protection of the internal components of the egg. Calcium, the main mineral forming eggshell, comes both directly from the diet but also from bones. Continuous bone demineralization may lead to osteoporosis and bone fractures. The main energy source in hens' diet is corn, but also grains, like wheat or rye, can be introduced. However, due to the presence of non-starch polysaccharides, which cannot be utilized by poultry, absorption of nutrients might be reduced. The enzyme xylanase, supplemented in diets improves nutrient uptake. In this study, the effect of a modern hybrid rye included in a wheat–corn diet with xylanase supplementation on eggshell and bone quality in laying hens was examined. The results showed that hybrid rye can replace corn in hens' diet without negative effects on eggshell quality or bone mechanical strength, but xylanase supplementation to these diets is recommended. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether there are negative effects of the partial replacement of white corn with rye along with xylanase supplementation on overall bone quality, eggshell mineralization, and mechanical strength in laying hens. From the 26th week of life, ISA Brown laying hens were fed either a wheat–corn diet or a diet containing 25% rye, with or without xylanase. The experimental period lasted for 25 weeks, until birds reached their 50th week of age, after which bone and eggshell quality indices were assessed. Eggshell thickness and eggshell Ca content of eggs from rye-fed hens were improved by xylanase supplementation. No differences in the mechanical properties of the eggshells were observed between treatments, except for the diet-dependent changes in egg deformation. Rye inclusion had no effect on the mechanical properties of bone. Xylanase supplementation, irrespective of the diet, had a positive effect on bone strength and increased tibia Ca content, as well as the content of several microelements. Hence, hybrid rye combined with wheat can replace 25% of corn in layer diets without compromising shell quality or bone mineral content. Xylanase supplementation in these diets is recommended since its inclusion improves both bone strength and quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: The feeding of pigs raised in an intensive system has been made, in general, with rations formulated using corn and soybean meal as the main ingredients. Brown rice bran, a by-product of the processing of rice grains for human consumption, presents itself as an alternative for total or partial replacement. Aims: The objective of the present study was to observe the effects of including 10% of whole rice bran (WRB), adding 0.02% exogenous multienzyme complex (MC) and changing the levels of metabolisable energy and available phosphorus (ME.aP) together in rations for newly weaned piglets. Methods: Digestibility and metabolisability of the rations, as well as zootechnical performance, were evaluated using 24 and 144 animals respectively, distributed in randomised blocks in time, with eight treatments, in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial scheme. Three repetitions were used in the metabolism essay, with one animal housed per cage, and six repetitions were made in the performance test, with three animals per stall, which was considered the experimental unit. Digestibility and metabolisability coefficients, weight gain and feed intake, as well as feed efficiency, were evaluated. Key results: The results showed that the inclusion of WRB reduced the digestibility and metabolisability coefficients of the rations, while the addition of MC provided an improvement in these indexes. The performance test showed that the inclusion of WRB worsened (P < 0.05) the feed efficiency. Conclusions and implications: The multienzyme complex improves the digestibility and metabolisability of experimental rations, although it does not influence the performance of piglets in the nursery phase. The search for foods that can replace the corn in feed without compromising the performance of the animals, has been the object of study by many researchers. Brown rice bran presents as antinutritional factors, high levels of crude fibre and phytic phosphorus, which result in low nutritional availability. However, addition of exogenous enzymes, a product of the development of the food-additives industry, can be an effective way to optimise the use of this type of food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NSP (non-starch polysaccharides) are a large group of compounds, which vary greatly in their chemical structure and properties. They are linked with the use of some of the alternative proteins or energy feed ingredients in broiler nutrition. Exogenous enzymes which act on NSP are sometimes in broiler production with the purpose of increasing digestibility of nutrients and consequently increasing broiler performance in production. This paper will attempt to review changes occurring in the digestive tract as a result of the use of feed with NSP soluble and insoluble in water, and the effect of NSPase on them, in terms of how an animal organism is burdened or helped to overcome the problems.

This study aimed to evaluate the utilization by juvenile European sea bass of a SSFed PF mixture with Aspergillus niger CECT 2088. A 22-day digestibility and a 50-day growth trial were performed testing four diets, including 20 or 40% of an unfermented or SSFed PF mixture (rapeseed, soybean, rice bran, and sunflower seed meals, 25% each). SSF of the PF added cellulase and β-glucosidase activity to the diets. Mycotoxin contamination was not detected in any of the experimental diets except for residual levels of zearalenone and deoxynivalenol (100 and 600 times lower than that established by the European Commission Recommendation-2006/576/EC). In diets including 20% PF, SSF did not affect growth but increased apparent digestibility coefficients of protein and energy, feed efficiency, and protein efficiency ratio. On the contrary, in diets including 40% PF, SSF decreased growth performance, feed intake, feed and protein efficiency, and diet digestibility. SSF decreased the intestinal amylase activity in the 40% SSFed diet, while total alkaline proteases decreased in the 20% and 40% SSFed diets. Hepatic amino acid catabolic enzyme activity was not modulated by SSF, and plasma total protein, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were similar among dietary treatments. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of moderate levels of the SSFed PF, up to 20%, improves the overall feed utilization efficiency without negatively impacting European sea bass growth performance. The replacement of PF with the SSFed PF mixture may contribute to reducing the environmental footprint of aquaculture production.

A 6-week experiment was carried out to evaluate the performance and serum enzymes of broilers fed graded levels of Parkia biglobosa fruit pulp with or without enzyme supplementation. A total of 189 day old broiler chicks of Marshal strain were allotted to 7 treatments of 3 replicates each. A replicate contained 9 chicks. Diet that did not contain Parkia biglobosa fruit pulp served as the control. Diets containing 5, 10 and 15% Parkia biglobosa fruit pulp were in T1, T2 and T3, respectively. These three diets were not supplemented with exogenous enzymes. Diets T4, T5 and T6 contained 5, 10 and 15% Parkia biglobosa fruit pulp, respectively. These latter diets were each supplemented with 0.4 gram Polyzyme® per kg diet. The results showed that starter broilers fed control diet had the best feed conversion ratio. Starters fed enzymes supplemented 5% Parkia biglobosa fruit pulp diet had slightly improved feed conversion ratio than those fed unsupplemented 5% Parkia biglobosa fruit pulp diet. Addition of enzymes to 15% Parkia biglobosa fruit pulp diet elicited improved (P = 0.0002) final body weight and average daily gain (P = 0.005) of finishers relative to those fed unsupplemented 15% Parkia biglobosa fruit pulp. Exogenous enzymes enhanced crude fibre digestibility (P = 0.0005) for broilers fed 10% and 15% Parkia biglobosa fruit pulp. Feeding dietary Parkia biglobosa fruit pulp to broiler chickens significantly (P = 0.007) increased serum alkaline phosphatase except for those fed 15% Parkia biglobosa fruit pulp. Conclusively, feeding 5% Parkia biglobosa fruit pulp to broilers supported maximum final body weight. However, broilers fed 15% Parkia biglobosa fruit pulp diet required enzyme supplementation for improved final body weight and crude fibre digestibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted to determine the effect of different levels of Labazyme (a multi-enzyme with probiotics) on production and biochemical traits in quail. A total of 180 quail were housed in 12 pens; each group was randomly allocated to four replicates (15 hens/replication); Group 1 was designated as the control, Groups 2 and 3 were supplemented with Labazyme at 1000 and 2000 mg/kg, respectively. The addition of Labazyme to the diet substantially increased quail production compared to the control group, and there was a substantial difference in feed intake and improved feed conversion efficiency, with the Labazyme groups generally superior to the control group. The groups did not differ substantially in egg quality parameters. The economic analysis indicated that Labazyme groups were substantially different to the control group. Globulin, total protein, and alkaline phosphatase were substantially reduced, whereas lipid profiles were reduced in Labazyme groups compared to the control. The glutathione level was increased and a decrease in malondialdehyde levels was observed in all groups. In addition, there were no substantial differences in aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase in either group. Labazyme can be used in quail feed as a feed additive to improve egg production and reduce lipid profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inclusion of exogenous digestive enzymes and probiotics is well established in the aquafeed industry. The mixture of multi-enzymes and probiotics improves the feed utilization and wellbeing of aquatic animals compared to the individual supplementation. Herein, we evaluated the exogenous multi-enzyme mixture (beta-glucanase, cellulase, alpha-amylase, protease, xylanase, and phytase) at 250 mg/kg and multi-species probiotic (Bacillus subtilis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. delbrueckii, L. rhamnosus, L. plantarum, and Pediococcus acidilactici; 1 × 1010 CFU/g for each bacterial strain) at 2 g/kg on the performances of Siberian sturgeon. The final weight, weight gain, SGR, and PER were markedly enhanced while the FCR was reduced in fish fed multi-enzyme and probiotics premix (P<0.05). Multi enzymes and probiotic mixture significantly increased the total body protein content (P˃0.05). Multi enzymes and probiotic mixture also improved the digestibility of crude protein, dry matter, and crude lipids nutrients (P<0.05). The count of goblet cells, microvilli diameter, microvilli length, outer muscle wall diameter, and enterocyte total absorptive surface were markedly increased (P<0.05) by dietary multienzymes and probiotics mixture. The WBCs and neutrophils showed marked improvements (P<0.05). The levels of glucose, triglycerides, blood urea nitrogen, and total bilirubin were markedly higher in fish fed the control than fish fed the multi-enzymes and probiotics mixture (P<0.05). Significantly, Siberian sturgeon-fed dietary multi-enzymes and probiotics had improved lysozyme activity, total immunoglobulin, and total protein in the skin mucus and serum samples (P<0.05). Further, the serum complement C3 and C4 was higher in fish-delivered multi-enzymes and probiotic mixture than in control (P<0.05). In conclusion, dietary probiotics synergistically enhanced the activity of multi-enzymes and resulted in increased feed utilization, nutrient digestibility, and health status of Siberian sturgeon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review illustrates the relationships between additives in the diets of ruminants and the consequence for ruminant nutrition. Feed additives are used to improve animal performance and/or the quality of the products. There are several categories of additives available for ruminant nutrition, with emphasis on antibiotics, prebiotics, probiotics, plant extracts, and exogenous enzymes. Antibiotics, essential oils, and chitosan act by selecting sensitive bacteria, consequently modulating the ruminal fermentation pattern. Prebiotics favor microbial growth, providing greater digestion and the production of volatile fatty acids. Probiotics are living microorganisms that improve the ruminal environment, promoting microbial growth and resulting in increased digestion and the production of volatile fatty acids. Exogenous enzymes act synergistically with the enzymes secreted by the ruminal microorganisms, besides favoring microbial adhesion and colonization and facilitating feed degradation. Tannins, whether altering the fermentation standard and/or modifying the ruminal microbiota population, are effective in improving animal performance. However, the effects of additives on the quality of the products are linked to diet quality. Highlights • Exogenous enzymes act synergistically with the enzymes secreted by the ruminal microorganisms. • Exogenous enzymes favoring the microbial adhesion and colonization of the particles, aid in the degradation of the feed. • Tannins can altering the fermentation standard and/or modifying the ruminal microbiota population. • Essential oils and chitosan act by selecting sensitive bacteria and consequently modulate the ruminal fermentation.

The prevalence of celiac disease and gluten sensitivity has increased in recent years, leading to a growing demand for gluten-free products, like beer. However, traditional beers contain gluten, making it unsafe for individuals with these conditions. This review explores enzymatic hydrolysis, a promising approach where added enzymes break down beer's gluten, potentially making it safe to consume. We discuss the link between gluten and celiac disease, various enzymes used for gluten degradation, and methods for measuring gluten levels. We summarize recent studies applying these enzymes to achieve gluten-free beer. The review highlights the effectiveness of enzymatic hydrolysis and different proteases used. Finally, we emphasize the need for further research to optimize enzyme use and guarantee the safety of such beers. • Overview of enzymatic hydrolysis of gluten in producing gluten-free beer. • Exploration of various proteases, including prolyl endoproteases. • Summary of methods for quantifying gluten in beer. • Promising approach of using exogenous enzymes to produce gluten-free beers. • Importance of further research to optimize enzyme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]