Carbohydrases comprise a large family of enzymes that break down carbohydrates (starch and dietary fiber) found in animal food, and are typically used in poultry and swine diets. Examples include:
- Xylanase and glucanase- break down non-starch polysaccharides found in cereal grains (wheat, barley or corn).
- Beta-mannanase- degrades the anti-nutritive beta-galactomannans present in soybean and corn meal.
- Amylases- hydrolyzes starch to simple sugars, increasing the available energy to the animal.
- Reduced digesta viscosity due to break down of Non-Starch Polysaccharides (NSPs)
- Reduced feed cost as a result of the ability to use alternative, lower cost feeds
- Improved nutrient availability
- Improved animal performance due to reduction of anti-nutrient effects
- Digestion of complex carbohydrates as substrate for beneficial intestinal microbes
