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Feed Enzymes-Phytases
BioVenic provides feed phytase development services to create effective phytase enzyme supplements that enhance phytate phosphorus utilization in animal feed, supporting feed enzyme development, phosphorus-utilization research, and species-specific product formulation. Our platform covers phytase strain cultivation and fermentation optimization, enzyme property characterization, catalytic mechanism studies, and genetic/protein engineering modification, along with phytase feed additive development. We support phytase validation with in vitro and in vivo models across livestock, poultry, aquaculture, and companion animals, and multi-omics (microbiome, metabolome, proteome) analyses to evaluate efficacy and reduce phosphorus waste.
Advancements in Feed Phytases Development and Optimization
- Exploration of Phytases Resources
While phytases are found in animals, plants, fungi, and bacteria, fungi like Aspergillus niger are notably rich sources. Through cutting-edge sequencing techniques, we analyze phytase genes from diverse origins to provide essential data for further research.
- Examination of Enzyme Properties
Each source of phytase possesses unique enzymatic traits. We offer a range of products and services for enzyme activity assays, aiding in the study of phytase properties such as optimal temperature, thermal stability, acid resistance, and the impact of metal ions on enzyme function.
- Study of Phytases Catalytic Mechanisms
Variations exist in the structures and mechanisms of phytases. Our research platform conducts comprehensive studies on phytase protein structures to uncover their catalytic mechanisms, facilitating the development of superior phytases.
- Enzyme Modification
Enhancing phytases' thermal stability and acid resistance is crucial for its efficacy in animal feed. Through genetic and protein engineering techniques, we can modify phytase to produce novel variants with superior properties.
- Fermentation Optimization
Fermentation is key to phytase production, with solid-state and liquid fermentation being common methods. By optimizing fermentation conditions for specific phytase-producing strains, we enhance the production efficiency through medium, time, and inoculum size adjustments.
Exploration of Phytases Application in Feed
Phytase liberates phosphorus from phytate in animals, enhancing phosphorus utilization in plant-based feeds. Our feed analysis services can assess phosphorus levels and other components, shedding light on phytase's impact on phosphorus digestibility.
- In Vitro Simulated Digestion
Through our diverse animal nutrition and metabolism in vitro models, we facilitate simulated digestion studies on various sources and concentrations of phytase for tailored diets. This approach aids in the development of efficient and species-specific phytase products.
- In Vivo Animal Studies
The advancement of novel phytase enzymes as feed supplements necessitates animal trials to establish a scientific foundation. Utilizing our in vivo animal models, we analyze the impact of phytase feed additives on animals. Our primary focus areas include animal growth metrics, nutrient absorption rates, and the levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and other waste products in fecal matter. Phytase effectiveness can be evaluated through the following metrics:
- Ileal phytate phosphorus degradation
- Total tract phosphorus digestibility and retention
- Bone ash content
- Performance metrics.
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Feed Phytases Development
Utilizing processes such as strain selection, fermentation technologies, post-processing, and animal trials, we assist clients in creating a range of phytase products in various forms. Our focus in phytase product development lies in achieving both cost-effectiveness and species-specific formulations.
Application Effects of Phytases in Animal Feed
The efficacy of supplemented phytases in the gastrointestinal tract can be influenced by the animal species and age. The application effects of different phytases in animals are detailed in the following table:
Table. 1 Application effects of some phytases in animals
| Animals | Phytase source | Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Pigs | Microbial | Improved growth performance and increased mineral digestibility (N, P, Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn). Decreased phosphorus and copper excretion in pig manure. |
| Peniophora lycii phytase fermented in a genetically modified Aspergillus oryzae strain | Enhanced phosphorus digestibility in sow diets, along with improved ash, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, copper, and zinc digestibility. | |
| Aspergillus niger | Reduced energy expenditure in the digestive tract and boosted metabolic activity in young piglets' visceral organs. | |
| Chickens | Escherichia coli phytase expressed in Schizosaccaromyces pombe | Enhanced growth, bone mineralization, and phosphorus utilization in broiler chicks. |
| Genetically modified Aspergillus niger strain | Improved growth, production metrics, and tibia parameters in laying hens. | |
| Fish | Aspergillus niger | Enhanced phytate phosphorus bioavailability in channel catfish. |
| Microbial | Increased serum calcium and phosphorus levels. Elevated body protein and lipid content, with improved nutrient utilization in Nile tilapia. | |
| Aspergillus niger | Improved phosphorus availability shown by significantly higher apparent phosphorus availability and bone ash content, in addition to elevated plasma and body phosphorus concentrations. Reduced phosphorus load in rainbow trout fed a soybean protein concentrate-based diet. | |
| Dogs | - | Increased phosphorus digestibility coefficient in a vegetable-based diet for dogs. Decreased hexa-inositol-phosphates without affecting lower inositol phosphates. |
| Horses | Aspergillus niger | Enhanced apparent calcium digestibility, potentially beneficial for horses on phytate-rich diets. |
Animal Feed Phytases Development Workflow
Related Research
Investigating the physiological and productive impacts of exogenous enzyme supplementation, recent research evaluated the effect of varying doses of bacterial phytase (EC 3.1.3.26) added to corn–soybean meal diets in commercial laying hens aged 44 to 64 weeks. Using a completely randomized experimental design across five supplementation levels (0, 500, 1000, 1500, and 3000 FTU/kg), the study applied quadratic regression models to systematically evaluate phytate degradation alongside key performance and biological parameters, including egg weight, egg mass, feed conversion per egg mass, shell strength and thickness, yolk and albumen concentrations, tissue histology, and intestinal morphology. The findings demonstrated that super-dosing bacterial phytase mitigates the anti-nutritional effects of phytate and enhances nutrient bioavailability, yielding an optimized villus-to-crypt ratio in the digestive tract and superior overall egg quality metrics at a recommended inclusion level of 1500 FTU/kg.
Fig. 1 Photomicrographs of the epithelium of the magnum of 64-week-old laying hens fed different levels of FTU in the diets.1
Why Choose Us?
Our research team boasts extensive experience in animal nutrition and feed enzyme development, ensuring that we offer practical solutions tailored to your requirements.
We provide a range of in vivo and in vitro animal models essential for conducting thorough research on phytase applications. These models yield crucial insights into the effects of phytase applications.
Our solutions encompass a diverse array of services aimed at streamlining your research processes and overcoming challenges effectively.
Case Study
Researchers characterized the temperature-dependent activity profile and thermal stability of a developed phytase candidate to define its effective operating range for feed applications. The activity curve showed the expected bell-shaped response, rising from low activity at cool temperatures to a distinct peak at the optimal temperature, followed by a steep decline at higher temperatures as the enzyme denatured. The thermal stability assay—which measured residual activity after incubation at each temperature—remained near-complete through the lower and moderate range, confirming the enzyme tolerates typical feed processing and storage conditions, but dropped sharply once temperatures exceeded the optimal range. Together, these two standard enzyme-characterization curves identified a clear optimal window in which the phytase retains both high catalytic activity and structural stability, providing the basis for setting safe processing temperature limits and predicting reliable performance under practical feeding conditions across animal species.
Fig. 2 Case Study
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What types of samples are acceptable for phytase activity analysis and feed enzyme testing services?
A: We generally accept various sample matrices including raw feed ingredients, compound feeds, premixes, enzyme concentrates, and fermentation broths. For accurate assays, samples should be representative, properly homogenized, and shipped under conditions that prevent moisture absorption or microbial spoilage. If you are working with a unique or non-standard matrix, we kindly suggest consulting our technical support team beforehand to confirm the optimal sample weight and packaging requirements.
Q2. How should my feed or enzyme samples be stored and shipped to your laboratory?
A: Most solid feed and enzyme powder samples should be sealed in airtight, moisture-proof containers and stored at room temperature or refrigerated conditions depending on stability. Liquid enzyme samples or fermentation products typically require cold-pack or frozen shipping to maintain enzymatic integrity during transit. Detailed handling instructions vary based on your specific sample type, so please reach out to our technical support staff if you need guidance on transit protocols.
Q3. Can your services be customized to evaluate phytase efficacy under simulated gastrointestinal conditions?
A: Yes, we provide flexible evaluation services designed to assess enzyme performance under simulated animal digestive tracts, including varying pH levels and temperature conditions relevant to monogastric livestock or poultry. However, because experimental setups can be tailored to target specific animal models, feed formulations, or dietary parameters, we recommend discussing your specific research objectives with our technical support personnel to design the most suitable testing workflow.
By employing our comprehensive research platform, you gain access to the ability to develop phytases from multiple sources for various animal species. BioVenic's advanced technologies in enzyme development, enzyme application effect research, and enzyme product development equip you to create top-tier phytase products for animal feed. Should you have any research requirements concerning feed phytase development, do not hesitate to contact us. Our dedicated team is ready to understand your research objectives and provide robust solutions tailored to your needs.
Reference
- Lima, Guilherme Souza, et al. "Dosing of bacterial phytase (EC 3.1. 3.26) in laying hens' diets." Animals 14.22 (2024): 3219. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14223219. Distributed under Open Access license CC BY 4.0. Without modification.