Scope of exogenous enzymes in enhancing ruminant productivity

Abstract

Exogenous enzymes added to animal feeds hold immense scope for enhancing livestock productivity. They improve not only the utilization of the lignocellulosic biomass, but also have had a positive impact on the quality of the environment through reduced output of excreta and pollutants such as phosphate and nitrogen including ammonia. Most of the exogenous enzyme research in sheep and cattle has been restricted to cellulases and xylanases and have demonstrated varied responses, although lignolytic enzymes have proven to be highly beneficial, their use is still in its infancy. Also many problems related to product formulation, under- or over-supplementation, appropriate method and form of providing the enzyme, and the level of productivity of the animal need to be addressed before their full potential are exploited. With increasing consumer concern about the use of growth promoters and antibiotics in ruminant production, and the magnitude of increased animal performance obtainable using exogenous enzymes, these products could play a vital role in enhancing ruminant production.