Prior to 2010 attempts at using proteases in commercial conditionswere, at best, inconsistent. This isperhaps not surprising, given thatmany of the first proteases to enterthe feed market were developed forthe detergent industry and only lateradapted for use in feed. As such,proteases were considered, of lim-ited or even questionable value. The introduction of a unique andpure (mono-component) protease(under the name of DSM RonozymeProAct), specifically selected for usein feed has created a new era in themarket of enzymes. Such innovationhas provided a valuable tool to consistently improve the amino aciddigestibility of feed ingredients. Thisin turn can offer the feed and poul-try producer substantial cost sav-ings even after accounting for thecost of the enzyme. In addition a protease offers otherbenefits: 1) it reduces nitrogen excretion to

the environment, something very important in many countries.

2) it reduces nitrogen load in the gastrointestinal tract, which inturn can reduce the amount ofsubstrate available to potentiallypathogenic bacteria. As such,bacterial load is reduced with po-tentially beneficial effects for ani-mal health, food safety andoverall feed utilization.

3) with less nitrogen in the diet birdsdrink less water resulting in apositive effect on litter quality inthe broiler house. Such benefitscan reduce the severity of eco-nomically important welfare pa-rameters such as pododermititisand hock lesions.

In summary, a protease not only enhances the profitability of abroiler enterprise but can also helpsafeguard animal health, animalwelfare and the environment.With every new product, there will always be many questions to be an-swered regarding its efficacy, qualityand safety of use. Below is a shortlist of question that will help pro-ducers and their advisors ensurethey select the right protease for op-timal effects in feed.1. Has the protease been specifically

designed for feed use, or was itoriginally developed with otherpurposes in mind? Experienceand science have shown that it is essential that the selectionprocess

used for the protease considersthe unique characteristics neededfor optimal efficacy in the ani-mal’s gastro-intestinal tract andduring the processing of feed.

2. Is product data based only on in-vitro (laboratory) results or hasthe product been tested in-vivo?For a complete evaluation of any product extensive in-vivo resultsunder commercial conditions areessential. Any published work (inscientific journals) will further enhance credibility.

3. Can the protease be used to im-prove amino acid digestibilityfrom a wide range of feedstuffs? Aprotease which is only effectiveon specific ingredients or classesof ingredients offers less flexibil-ity in use and delivers less valueto the user! Also, a protease mustbe able to work in a wide range ofdiverse diet formulations (even inlow-protein diets).

4. Is the protease able to survive conditions of low pH typical of thebird’s stomach? Stability at lowpH is essential if sufficient en-zyme activity is to remain in thesmall intestine to give the desired hydrolytic effect. Stability varieshugely from product to product!

5. Is there evidence that the pro-tease can work in synergy with theendogenous (pepsin and pancre-atic) proteases? It is essential thatit should complement those pro-tease enzymes already present inthe animals gut.

6. Are stability studies available toevaluate losses during feed pro-cessing and storage conditions?Stability is a major issue becauseit affects the amount of active en-zyme actually reaching the ani-mal. As conditioning times andtemperatures become ever higherand longer all measures to en-hance the stability of the pro-tease, such as coating, becomeincreasingly important.

7. Is the protease safe for workersduring handling? Safety is a precious commodity!

Dr. Adam SmithMarket Development Manager

- RONOZYME ProAct EMEAAdam.Smith@dsm.com

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Selecting the RightProtease