Blog Details

Modern animal nutrition is about more than meeting basic requirements — it is about helping animals extract the maximum value from every ingredient while staying resilient under stress. Two classes of feed additive have become especially valuable in achieving this: exogenous enzymes and dietary nucleotides. Used well, they improve efficiency, support gut health and reduce waste.

Enzymes: releasing hidden nutrients

Plant-based feeds contain nutrients that animals cannot fully digest on their own. Phytases release phosphorus bound in phytate, while carbohydrases break down fibre and non-starch polysaccharides that would otherwise reduce digestibility. By unlocking this hidden value, enzymes improve feed conversion and allow more flexible, cost-effective formulation.

Nucleotides: building blocks under stress

Nucleotides are the building blocks of DNA and RNA. Under normal conditions animals synthesise enough for their needs, but during rapid growth, disease challenge or other stress, demand can outstrip supply. Supplemental nucleotides support the tissues that divide fastest — the gut lining and the immune system — helping animals recover and maintain productivity when it matters most.

• Phytases and carbohydrases improve nutrient digestibility and lower feed cost
• Enzyme supplementation reduces phosphorus and nitrogen excretion
• Nucleotides support rapid cell turnover in the gut and immune system
• Both additives are most effective as part of a balanced, well-formulated diet

The best diets do two things at once: they feed the animal and they help the animal make the most of its feed.

VPhS Technical Team

Conclusion

Enzymes and nucleotides address two sides of the same goal — getting more out of the diet and helping animals stay productive under pressure. Integrated into a sound nutritional programme, they improve efficiency, reduce environmental impact and strengthen resilience across species.