Commercialization of Versazyme, A Keratinase Product, for Use in Poultry Food

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: The small intestine of the newly hatched chick and is immature and undergoes significant morphological, biochemical and physiological changes during the first 10 days post hatch. After this initial period, the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of the young monogastric animals becomes more capable of digesting and utilizing more nutrients. Chicks and poults during the first few days of age do not have the innate enzyme capability to digest complex nutrients, which ultimately result in increased microbial fermentation and altered gut viscosity. This condition adversely affects digestion and nutrient absorption, and as a result, causes decreased body weights and lowered feed efficiency in the birds. Within the last few years, both the academic and commercial agricultural research communities have come to realize the benefits that can result from the addition of specific enzymes to animal feeds for monogastric animals. For instance, the application of enzymes to animal feed has allowed greater dietary inclusion of ingredients previously thought to be unsuitable for animal feed. Virtually all enzymes employed in the feed industry are used as direct fed additives to achieve one or more of the following objectives: 1) Supplementation of the host's endogenous enzymes, including proteases and amylases; 2) Removal of anti-nutritional factors; 3) Improvement of bioavailability and absorption of certain nutrients and enhancement of energy value for cheaper feed ingredients.