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The Foundation of Conducting Feed Enzyme Research and the Challenge of Explaining the Results

Zymetrics Chestnut House, Beckhampton, Marborough, Wiltshire SN8 1QJ United Kingdom

Correspondence: M. R. Bedford, E-mail: Mike.bedford{at}zymetrics.com

Despite the fact that so much information has been published in the field of enzyme use in poultry diets, it is still difficult to estimate the scale of response expected upon application of an enzyme in a specific diet. Many of the factors that mitigate response to enzyme use have been identified through targeted or mechanistic research, but little, until very recently, has been done to integrate all this information into an all encompassing model. Due to the number and complexity of the interactions between dietary ingredients, dietary nutrient density, and bird health status with that of enzyme response, it is often the case that many of the relevant factors are not reported. As a result, complete interpretation of the data and application of the results is difficult. Recent empirical models have allowed new insight into the relative importance of these mitigating factors on enzyme response. It is interesting that this empirical approach has identified factors, hitherto unappreciated, that mitigate enzyme response. Application of the information in these models will allow more focused and relevant research and allow for prediction of performance outcome upon use of the enzymes available today.

Key Words: enzyme • phytase • xylanase • modeling