Trypsin inhibitors are naturally occurring proteins found predominantly in soybeans and other legumes. These inhibitors bind to trypsin—an essential enzyme responsible for breaking down dietary proteins into absorbable amino acids. When trypsin activity is compromised, protein utilization decreases, leading to reduced growth rates and impaired feed conversion efficiency.
Sr. Regional Technical Services Lead – Minerals & Enzymes
Novus
In poultry nutrition, maintaining optimal feed efficiency is critical to achieving maximum growth and profitability. Because of the regional variability in feed quality, one significant challenge that nutritionists and feed mill managers frequently encounter is the impact of trypsin inhibitors in feed ingredients, particularly soybean meal. These inhibitors can significantly reduce protein digestion and impair performance, so it’s necessary to understand the science behind this anti-nutritional factor and how to effectively mitigate its impact.
WHAT ARE TRYPSIN INHIBITORS?
Trypsin inhibitors are naturally occurring proteins found predominantly in soybeans and other legumes. These inhibitors bind to trypsin—an essential enzyme responsible for breaking down dietary proteins into absorbable amino acids. When trypsin activity is compromised, protein utilization decreases, leading to reduced growth rates and impaired feed conversion efficiency.
One of the key consequences of trypsin inhibitors is an increase in pancreatic enzyme secretion, which can result in pancreatic hypertrophy and reduced nutrient absorption.1 Additionally, the presence of trypsin inhibitors can cause intestinal irritation and inflammation, exacerbating nutrient loss and negatively affecting gut health.2
IMPACT ON YOUNG POULTRY
Young birds, particularly chicks, have underdeveloped digestive systems that naturally produce low levels of trypsin and other proteolytic enzymes. Research indicates that trypsin production in chicks remains minimal until approximately day 14, only reaching peak levels around day 21.3 This window of vulnerability coincides with the period when dietary trypsin inhibitors can have the most detrimental impact on protein utilization and growth performance.
ENZYME SOLUTIONS TO BREAK THE CHAIN
Enzymes are added to bird feed to help address the challenges posed by trypsin inhibitors and ensure birds can meet their growth potential. Protease enzymes contained in CIBENZA® DP100 Enzyme Feed Additive work by breaking down complex proteins and neutralizing the effects of trypsin inhibitors, thus optimizing protein digestion and improving overall feed efficiency.
ENZYMES AND BIRD PERFORMANCE
• Enhanced Protein Digestion: The protease activity of CIBENZA® DP100 breaks down protein molecules that would otherwise be hindered by trypsin inhibitors, allowing for more efficient amino acid absorption.4
• Improved Gut Health: By reducing undigested protein in the gut, the enzyme decreases substrate availability for pathogenic bacteria such as Clostridium perfringens, E. coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter.5 This reduction lowers the risk of gut health issues and enhances overall flock performance.
• Increased Nutrient Absorption: Proteases contained in CIBENZA® DP100 increase protein breakdown and utilization, resulting in higher growth rates and improved feed conversion ratios (FCR), by reducing the impact of anti-nutritional factors such as trypsin Inhibitors, glycinin and beta-conglycinin.5
• Young Bird Performance: Studies show improvements in body weight, feed conversion ratio, and jejunal viscosity (supporting improved nutrient digestibility) when CIBENZA® DP100 is added to starter diets.6
PERFORMANCE DATA
In controlled field trials, birds fed diets supplemented with CIBENZA® DP100 showed significant improvements in feed efficiency and body weight gain. Key results include:
• 8% increase in body weight at day 42, compared to non-supplemented controls.7
• 2.4% reduction in FCR, leading to more efficient feed utilization.
• 90% reduction in Clostridium perfringens population in the ileum.8
GET MORE FROM FEED = MORE FOR YOUR OPERATION
Utilizing CIBENZA® DP100 Enzyme Feed Additive in poultry diets is shown to both increase protein digestibility and reduce the pathogen load to improve overall flock health.7 These outcomes directly translate to better performance metrics, including improved growth rates and feed efficiency. Incorporating this solution into diets can help nutritionists and feed mill managers address the ongoing challenges of anti-nutritional factors, ultimately supporting more consistent and profitable poultry production.
References
1Pacheco et al., 2014. Poultry Science 93: 2245–2252
2Wang, et al., 2011. Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 24, No. 12: 1718 – 1728
3Noy and Sklan, 1995. Poultry Science. Volume 74, Issue 2: 366-373
4Wedekind et al., 2020. Animal Feed Science and Technology 265; 114502
5Wang, et al., 2011. Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 24, No. 12: 1718 – 1728
6Odetallah et al., 2003. Poultry Science 82. Issue 4: 664-670
7Yan et al., 2017
8Yan et al., 2012. World’s Poultry Science Journal
About David Torres
David Torres coordinates the diverse Technical Services team throughout North and South America as the team works directly with customers to solve production challenges and help animals meet producer goals. He also works to align the Marketing and Sales teams in the Americas and leverage NOVUS product share in this growing market. He has a degree in animal science from Universidad de La Salle (Columbia), a master’s degree in animal nutrition from University of Viçosa (Brazil), and a business degree from the University Industrial Santander (Colombia). Mr. Torres is a member of the Asociación Colombiana de Médicos Veterinarios y Zootecnistas Especialistas en Avicultura (AMEVEA).
