Danisco Animal Nutrition Launches New Highly-Thermostable Phytase

08/03/07 New Thermo Protection Technology (TPT) developed by Danisco ensures that the phytase maintains efficacy after exposure to feed conditioning and pelleting temperatures of up to 95°C (203°F). TPT applies to the phytase enzyme a coating which delivers unrivalled protection from the high temperatures that typically occur during the feed pelleting process, while rapidly releasing the enzyme activity in the animal’s gut, without compromising animal performance.

Independent pelleting trials conducted at Technological Institute, Kolding in Denmark showed consistently high stability after conditioning and pelleting at temperatures up to 95°C (203°F). The thermostable phytase was included in feed prior to conditioning and pelleting at temperatures of 90°C (194°F) or 95ºC (203ºF). The phytase activity present in the feed before and after conditioning/pelleting was analysed and compared. The phytase activity remaining in the feed after conditioning and pelleting was 99% at 90°C and 96% at 95°C when expressed on a relative basis to the unprocessed mash feed.

The trials also compared the thermostability of Phyzyme XP TPT to another commercially available phytase product which is claimed to have similar thermostable properties. In contrast, the corresponding phytase activity remaining in the feed after conditioning/pelleting was 70-75% at 90-95ºC for this product.

Dr Andrew Harker, Danisco’s Marketing and Technical Services Director, commented: “Proven enzyme thermostability remains a key requirement for our customers. This new coating technology delivers a free-flowing, dust-free phytase granulate that can be used easily and confidently in the vast majority of feed manufacturing processes globally. Coupled with the leading-edge performance of this new generation phytase feed enzyme, which is proven to deliver at least 20% greater efficacy than traditional phytases, Phyzyme XP TPT offers unrivalled thermostability, performance and value.”

The phytase market is estimated to be worth more than $200 million, growing at a rate of over 5% per annum.  Danisco Animal Nutrition entered this market 4 years ago with a new generation phytase - Phyzyme XP, developed under a strategic alliance with Diversa Corporation. Phyzyme XP is proven to be substantially more effective in the animal than traditional phytases. However, until now Danisco has been excluded from the dominant pelleted feed market segment, which demands a heat stable granulate phytase able to survive the pelleting process.