Advances in enzyme technology now allow poultry
producers to reduce feed costs by using a key by-product of the
bio-fuel industry.
Speaking at the recent
University
of Nottingham Feed Conference, Alexandre Peron of Danisco
Animal Nutrition described how the latest enzymes could allow
poultry producer to replace a proportion of the cereal in poultry
rations with the cheaper
distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS).
DDGS is a by-product of the food and bio-ethanol industries and
its lower price has led to its increased use in general animal
feed. While DDGS is potentially a cost effective and valuable feed
ingredient, there are certain anti-nutritional factors limiting its
use in poultry rations.
But new research revealed by Dr Peron at the conference shows
how the latest enzymes can help overcome these limitations, by
improving the nutrient digestibility.
A trial conducted by Auburn
University, USA, showed that adding both a new-generation
bacterial phytase together with xylanase, amylase and protease
enzymes to broiler diets containing 10% corn DDGS improved bird
performance. Weight gain was 5-12% higher and feed use efficiency
up by 3-5%, than when not using the enzymes.
