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Description: TOPIC: A NEW PLATFORM TO PRODUCE ENZYMES FOR LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION

ABSTRACT:
Global demand for high-quality dietary protein is driving the expansion of livestock production. The sustainability of chicken, egg, and pork production, in particular, depend on the development of nutritionally balanced animal feeds. The largest components of animal feed are agricultural products such as corn and soy, which provide macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and oils, as well as micronutrients, such as minerals and vitamins. However, even feed that contains all of the required nutrients may be nutritionally deficient because many nutrients are present in forms that make them difficult to digest or absorb by the animal. To compensate, a grower must either overformulate a diet (e.g. increase the amount of protein present to make up for the portion that is not well absorbed) or add nutrients from alternative and often more expensive sources. In contrast, adding enzymes to animal feed is a strategy that allows the animals to extract more nutritional value from feed by allowing them to digest and absorb more of the nutrients that are already present in feed. This approach improves feed efficiency, reduces waste and ameliorates agricultural pollution.