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Method of Analysis for Feed Enzymes: Methodological Problems?

Rhône-Poulenc Animal Nutrition, 42, Avenue Aristide Briand BP 100, 92164 Antony Cedex, France; Phone: + 33, (1) 46747106; FAX: + 33, (1) 46747267

Correspondence: Alain M. Sabatier

Enzyme products currently on the market used as processing aids to enhance feed raw materials have the effect of breaking down macromolecules such as hemicellulose, or proteins. Since enzyme users must know the activity of the enzyme product in order for them to rationally formulate their diets, it is necessary to assay enzymes in the feed.

Several measurement methods exist for the analysis of enzymes in feed. Are there methodological problems in measuring enzyme activity that could restrict their utilization? Could the choice of an enzyme for a specific application be based on the number of units of enzyme activity?

In order to answer these questions, we shall clarify what an enzyme is and how its activity is measured: 1) enzymes function only through their catalytic action and an enzyme is specific for a substrate and catalyzes a specific reaction under defined conditions, 2) enzyme activity is measured by different methods, for which substrate quality if of the utmost importance, 3) there is a defined method for each product as a function of its origin and we have to adapt the method of analysis to each feed.

Key Words: Analytical procedure • enzymes • feed