The global food supply faces many challenges in meeting the demands of a growing population. Maximizing animal protein production through the addition of enzymes to feeds is a cost-effective mechanism to meeting increasing demand. In treated feeds, enzymes play a significant role in the animal’s digestion, optimizing digestion of key nutrients that would otherwise have to be sourced elsewhere. As the enzymes used become vital to animal well-being and protein production, it’s important that feed formulated with enzymes is analysed routinely to ensure that the feed producer is meeting activity targets.
Sample Analysis as a means of Quality Control (reactive)
Analysing raw material enzyme and the feeds treated with the enzyme identifies whether the enzyme product is meeting target activity and whether the feed-treatment has gone as expected. If feed sample analysis gives results lower than expected, it may be an indicator that something in the enzyme-application process is not working properly. By analysing feed routinely, the feed manufacturer can often use results to identify problems in the feed treatment and manufacturing process and make the proper corrections before it becomes an animal welfare issue.
Examples:
Taking multiple samples from a conveyor belt where feed is being sprayed with liquid enzyme, can ensure that the feed has been treated homogenously and with the expected amount of enzyme.
Feed samples being treated with powder or granule enzyme can be sampled for analysis at different stages or in different forms (i.e. mash, crumble, pellet, at different pelleting temperatures) to ensure that the proper amount of enzyme activity is present, and there has been no enzyme degradation due to external factors such as temperature, humidity, or pressure.
| Sample Description | FTU/kg |
| Line 4 – Sample 1 | ~125 |
| Line 4 – Sample 2 | ~124 |
| Line 4 – Sample 3 | ~138 |
| Line 4 – Sample 4 | ~109 |
Expected activity for these samples was 1500 FTU/kg. The data reveals that the liquid enzyme application appears to have failed for this line of samples.
| Sample Description | FTU/kg |
| Feed Broiler Breeder A | 946 |
| Feed Broiler Breeder B | 1370 |
| Feed Broiler Breeder C | 2600 |
| Feed Broiler Breeder D | 2120 |
| Feed Broiler Breeder E | 1440 |
Expected activity for these samples was not given however, the data from this batch of samples suggests a mixability issue.
| Sample Description | FTU/kg |
| B04 Mash 1 | 985 |
| B04 Mash 2 | 975 |
| B04 Mash 3 | 1530 |
| B04 Pellet 1 | ~109 |
| B04 Pellet 2 | 249 |
| B04 Pellet 3 | ~125 |
Expected activity for these samples was 500 FTU/kg.
The data from this batch of samples suggests that despite the overage applied to the mash samples, pelleting conditions have degraded the enzyme activity.
Sample Analysis as a means of Quality Assurance (proactive)
By analysing feed samples routinely, feed manufacturers can prevent extra costs related to feed waste, recalls, and potential loss of animal protein growth. Potential production and application issues discovered by routine testing can help feed facilities put checks in place to prevent future mishaps.
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