Initially introduced in the 1980s, the xylanase’s use has expanded globally without notable advancements. Despite shifts in production methods, processing technologies, and the incorporation of various by-products, xylanase enzymes have not evolved correspondingly. This has left a gap in meeting the dynamic needs of today’s commercial nutritionists. However, the landscape is set to change…

Global Director Enzymes
EW Nutrition
For over 30 years, the application of xylanase in broiler diets has remained largely unchanged. Initially introduced in the 1980s, the xylanase’s use has expanded globally without notable advancements. Despite shifts in production methods, processing technologies, and the incorporation of various by-products, xylanase enzymes have not evolved correspondingly. This has left a gap in meeting the dynamic needs of today’s commercial nutritionists. However, the landscape is set to change with the advent of cutting-edge in-feed xylanase technology.
WHY THE SHIFT TO INNOVATIVE XYLANASE ENZYMES IS CRUCIAL
Historically, xylanase enzymes were adapted from industries outside of animal production to address gut viscosity issues in broilers fed wheat-based diets. This adaptation proved effective in mimicking the growth performance achievable with low-viscosity corn/soya diets, while also reducing disease risks by diminishing anti-nutritional factors (ANFs) and gut viscosity.
The introduction of xylanase not only facilitated nutrient release from previously indigestible feed components but also allowed for the adoption of an energy matrix value, optimizing feed formulation costs. Despite its widespread use, with penetration rates exceeding 50%, traditional xylanase solutions have inherent limitations, particularly in diets predominantly based on corn-soybean, which are rich in insoluble arabinoxylans.
ADVANTAGES OF GH10 OVER TRADITIONAL GH11 XYLANASE
The GH10 xylanase differs fundamentally from the GH11 family, which has been commonly used but is less effective against insoluble arabinoxylans found in corn-soy based diets. GH10 enzymes require fewer unsubstituted xylan monomers to act effectively, allowing them to break down arabinoxylans more efficiently, even near branched areas. This results in a broader and more effective degradation of feedstuffs, including complex fiber components.
THE FUTURE OF XYLANASE IN FEED: ENHANCED FLEXIBILITY AND COST-EFFECTIVENESS
Axxess XY from EW Nutrition is from GH-10 family of xylanases and is designed for optimal performance across a wide range of feed substrates found in both corn-soy and wheat-soy diets. It offers unprecedented flexibility in incorporating cost-effective ingredients into diets, thus stabilizing feed costs. Additionally, its ability to generate a diverse array of prebiotics like xylooligosaccharides and arabino-xylanoligosaccharides supports a healthier microbial environment in the gastrointestinal tract, enhancing overall bird health and performance.
GH-10 XYLANASES: UNLEASHING A SPECTRUM OF PREBIOTIC BENEFITS
Since the mid-90s, it has been recognized that xylanase not only aids in feed digestion but also influences microbial activity within the gastrointestinal tract through the creation of fermentable oligosaccharides. The GH10 xylanases have shown superior capability in breaking down a variety of fiber components into valuable prebiotics such as xylooligosaccharides (XOS) and arabino-xylanoligosaccharides (AXOS). These compounds are instrumental in promoting the growth of fiber-degrading bacteria within the intestine, which has beneficial effects on the host’s health.
Research indicates that bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, which are among the most prominent probiotic strains, vary in their utilization of XOS and AXOS. For instance, Bifidobacterium adolescentis can utilize both AXOS and XOS, whereas Lactobacillus brevis only utilizes XOS. This differential consumption leads to the production of butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that enhances gut barrier function and reduces the colonization of pathogens like Salmonella in broilers. Furthermore, the presence of these oligosaccharides has been shown to improve overall performance by reducing feed conversion ratios.
The GH10 xylanase requires only two consecutive unsubstituted xylan monomers to cleave the xylan main chain, whereas a GH11 xylanase requires 3 or 4 consecutive unsubstituted xylan monomers. Therefore, the number of potential AXOS and XOS oligomers is higher from the action of the GH10 xylanase. This results in a wider range of oligomers, quite valuable as the effect is spread across the large intestine, each oligomer having a different fermentation rate. Consequently, the colon microbial activity becomes saccharolytic, which potentially reduces the undesirable products of proteolytic degradation, such as phenols and cresols.
Prebiotic combinations will vary depending on the substrate available. However, there is more flexibility in breaking down insoluble NSPs across different feedstuffs using GH10 xylanase compared to GH-11 xylanase.
STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS FOR FUTURE XYLANASE APPLICATIONS
The strategic development of a GH10-based xylanase represents a pivotal advancement in animal feed technology. This enzyme is tailored to break down a broad spectrum of substrates found in typical corn-soy and wheat-soy diets, enabling the inclusion of a higher proportion of cost-effective ingredients. Its robust activity in producing prebiotic oligomers from arabinoxylan indicates a significant potential to enhance the microbiota’s health and functionality.
The comprehensive benefits derived from using this advanced xylanase are clear. Birds maintain a balanced digestive system that is better equipped to handle environmental and health challenges, leading to improved performance. For nutritionists, this enzyme provides a dependable tool to optimize feed formulations flexibly and cost-effectively, especially crucial during times of supply fluctuations and raw material price volatility.
The inherent thermostability of this xylanase ensures that it remains effective under a wide range of feed processing conditions, further emphasizing its suitability for all types of poultry feed.
CONCLUSION
The innovative GH10 xylanase enzyme offers substantial benefits over traditional formulations, supporting not just enhanced growth and efficiency in broiler diets but also contributing significantly to gut health through its prebiotic effects, achieved through the production of prebiotic oligosaccharides that support beneficial bacteria. Its introduction marks a significant advancement in poultry nutrition, aligning with the modern demands of efficiency and sustainability.
About Dr. Ajay Awati
Dr. Ajay Awati has led efforts to develop and launch some of the leading products in the global feed additive market. For over ten years, the application of enzymes in animal nutrition has been his primary interest.
He is a veterinarian with a Master’s degree in Animal Science from the University of Wageningen, with two master theses to his credit. His PhD thesis, also from Wageningen, was focused on fermentable carbohydrates as prebiotics in weaning piglet nutrition.
After several years at the forefront of the animal nutrition and animal production industry, Dr. Ajay Awati finally joined EW Nutrition in 2018 to lead enzyme product development, with support from a top-level team of enzyme scientists and a state-of-the-art production facility in Germany.