As science yields more information on the potential of enzymes and other feed enhancing ingredients, the livestock industry has greater knowledge than ever to support feed management decisions. Here’s a snapshot of three ‘quick tips’ to kick off this ongoing series in FeedScape.
1. Use a lock and key approach. Different enzymes do different jobs. The trick is to match them in a lock and key fashion with the specific hard-to-digest components (substrates) that are targets. They type of livestock is also a major factor.
2. Keep current and update regularly. What are the substrates you’re dealing with and what are the options to break them down? Talk to knowledgeable people and trusted suppliers to find the best fit for your needs. Do it each year, as the pace of change is accelerating with new knowledge from science and new product innovations. Keep in mind even small changes to diets based on feed prices and other factors can affect your strategy.
3. Understand quality differences. For example, while the concept of multi-carbohydrase enzyme blends is gaining momentum, it’s important to remember not all blends are created equal. Different enzymes do different jobs and work together in different ways. So it’s critical to have the right formulations based on the right science.
To illustrate, CBS Inc. blends typically have five-to-seven different types of enzymes, each with a distinct and complementary role to deliver a strong synergistic effect with the target livestock species. That’s typically far more than other products in the marketplace, which may have only two types.
