EU enzyme approval gives boost to layer economics

Egg producers across the European Union can achieve an immediate net saving in feed costs of up to €7/tonne with no compromise in laying hen performance, according to Danisco Animal Nutrition after its Avizyme® 1300 enzyme product gained EU approval for use in layer diets.

Reduced feed costs result from the six per cent increase in apparent metabolisable energy (AME) in wheat allowed by the addition of Avizyme, a xylanase/protease combination that is already EU-approved for use in broiler and turkey feeds.

Egg producers may also use the product to deliver economic improvements in bird performance from an existing diet. A number of trials conducted over a range of production conditions showed that, on average, Avizyme improved feed:egg mass by three per cent and egg mass by 1.4% compared to laying hens fed diets not supplemented with enzyme.

Dr Milan Hrubý, poultry technical manager with Danisco Animal Nutrition, says the product offers egg producers more than economic benefits.

"Enzymes essentially improve the bird's natural digestive system, which provides the opportunity to improve laying hen performance and/or reduce feed costs. In addition, faecal volume and nitrogen excretion are reduced, minimising manure handling costs and cutting the risk of water pollution.

"In turn, the drier nature of litter from birds fed diets supplemented with Avizyme means improved egg-shell cleanliness, which satisfies consumer needs for improved health and hygiene."

Avizyme 1300 has been specifically developed for use in poultry diets containing at least 20% wheat, triticale or rye.