required. The efficacy of NSPases on the break-down of solu- ble and insoluble fibres − and related animal performance − depends on their type of action, their concentration in the enzyme concept and the dosage of this concept in the diet.


NSP-sugar fingerprint For effective enzyme dosage, it is important to determine the different fibres present. NSP analysis of raw materials provides a specific ‘NSP-sugar fingerprint’ (Figure 1) indicating the main types of fibre present. Arabinose, xylose and glu- cose are the major components of the fibre fraction of grains such as maize, wheat, barley and their by-products. It indi- cates that the major NSPs present in those grains are typically xylan (arabinoxylan) and glucan. While they are also present in by-products of oil seeds such as soybean meal, rapeseed meal and sunflower meal, these are characterised by higher levels of galactose and uronic acids, components indicating the presence of pectin, which add to the anti-nutritional ef- fects. This means there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and the enzyme concept of NSPases should be adjusted to the raw materials present in the animal feed. The solubility of the NSP fibres varies greatly according to the feed ingredient and the specific tissues of the grain from which they originate. While maize has a similar NSP sugar composition to wheat, its fibres are much more insoluble. Wheat and maize by-products con- tain more insoluble fibres, as processing increases the level of insoluble fibres (e.g. xylan) in the outer layer of the grain. Glucan, also in the outer layers of grain further adds to the insoluble cellulose fibre. Other types of by-products such as sunflower meal and distillers grain (DDGS) can contain impor- tant levels of insoluble NSPs such as glucan (e.g. cellulose). In contrast, soybean and rapeseed meals contain high levels of the more soluble pectin type of NSP fibres.


Different enzyme activities While NSPases are commonly used to prevent the negative ef- fects of soluble fibres, their potential impact on insoluble NSP fibres is not always obvious. The efficacy of NSPase enzymes on insoluble fibres and related animal performance depends on the type of enzyme activities, their concentration in the en- zyme concept and the dosage of this concept in the diet. To obtain a sufficient breakdown (hydrolysis) of NSP in both solu- ble and insoluble fibres, minimum threshold levels of appropri- ate enzymes need to be added. Insoluble fibres, such as cellu- lose, require a higher quantity and a broader composition of enzyme activities to obtain partial hydrolysis. A combination of different enzyme activities targeting different fibres in the in- soluble fibre network is therefore important. Furthermore, the added enzymes need to be active in time at the right part of the digestive system, often within a restricted time frame. The right combination of synergistic enzymes to unlock both solu- ble and insoluble fibres is key to unlocking nutrients and optimising digestion for successful animal performance.


Proven NSPase concepts As a supplier of enzymes and microbial regulators to the an- imal nutrition industry, Aveve Biochem has over 30 years of evidence-based experience in designing enzyme concepts. The company has developed two first-rate NSPase concepts for the animal feed industry. AveMix® XG 10 is a concept that contains high levels of glucanase and xylanase, acting on both soluble and insoluble xylan and glucan, the two most important polysaccharides present in animal feed. Xylanase and glucanase enhance the availability of nutri- ents for the animal by degrading the NSP in cell walls. They also reduce the intestinal viscosity, considerably enhancing the intake of nutrients. It is of particular interest for diets based on maize, wheat, barley, triticale, rye and by-products such as wheat or rice bran. AveMix® 02 CS is a concept that not only contains high levels of glucanase and xylanase, but also of pectinase, making it of particular interest for the break-down of pectin present in most oil seed by-products such as soybean meal, rapeseed meal and sunflower meal. Both products have been validated under various condi- tions in a range of diets for different species and have been shown to improve animal performance while allowing more formulation flexibility.


The grains in animal diets typ- ically represent about 50% of NSPs.


Negative (anti-nutritional) effects of soluble and insoluble NSP fibres


Soluble fibres have a high water binding capacity (the gel effect) and: • Increase gut viscosity • Limit and slow down nutrient absorption • Slow down access and reduce losses of animal digestive enzymes • Reduce feed intake


Insoluble fibres limit access to nutrients (the nutshell effect) and: • Facilitate nutrient entrapment • Carry away nutrients to the large intestine (protein, starch…) • Limit access to animal digestive enzymes (e.g. amylase)


▶ ALL ABOUT FEED | Volume 9, No. 9, 2021 9


PHOTO: MARK PASVEER


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