Beta-Glucanase
Beta-glucanase is an enzyme that specifically hydrolyzes beta-glucans – insoluble and soluble non-starch polysaccharides present in cereals such as barley, oats and wheat. As a technological feed additive, beta-glucanase is added to concentrates and premixes to break down viscous beta-glucans in the gut, reduce digesta viscosity and improve the utilization of energy and nutrients. In commercial products it is typically supplied in microgranulated or liquid form, stabilized for use in pelleted and extruded feeds.
Source
Industrial beta-glucanase is produced by:
- fermentation of selected strains of Trichoderma, Aspergillus or other production fungi
- subsequent purification and drying of the fermentation broth into a stable powder or granulate
Variations
- Thermostable beta-glucanases adapted for higher pelleting temperatures
- Multi-enzyme complexes (beta-glucanase + xylanase + cellulase, etc.) for broader NSP degradation
- Liquid formulations for post-pellet application (sprayed onto finished pellets)
Applications In The Industry
Poultry
In poultry nutrition, beta-glucanase is primarily used in barley-, oat- and wheat-based diets where beta-glucan levels are higher. In broilers, enzyme supplementation reduces intestinal digesta viscosity, improves digestion of energy and protein and supports more efficient feed conversion, especially in starter and grower phases. In layers and breeders, beta-glucanase can contribute to more stable nutrient intake, better feces consistency and litter quality, indirectly supporting barn conditions and productivity. In feed formulation it is commonly applied for “enzymatic matrix” optimization, allowing lower formulated metabolizable energy levels while maintaining performance.
Swine
In swine diets, beta-glucanase is mostly used in rations with elevated barley or other beta-glucan-rich cereals, particularly for piglets and young pigs. During transition phases (post-weaning), enzyme addition enhances digestibility of energy and dry matter, reduces undesirable digesta viscosity and supports more stable gastrointestinal function. In grower-finisher pigs it is applied to improve nutrient utilization and optimize feed cost, enabling greater flexibility in the use of lower-cost raw materials while preserving growth and feed conversion performance.
Benefits Of Use
- Increases utilization of energy, protein and other nutrients from beta-glucan-rich cereals
- Reduces intestinal digesta viscosity and supports more stable digestion
- Enables greater formulation flexibility and reduced cost per unit of gain
- Improves overall feeding efficiency in intensive poultry and swine production
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