Nutrase

Introduction  

Nutrase® P’s 6-phytase enzyme offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution to phosphorus management in the production of monogastric animals. By incorporating Nutrase® P into the diets of poultry and swine, it supports optimal health and performance. The enzyme works by enhancing the digestibility of phosphorus, reducing its excretion in manure, and improving the availability and absorption of minerals. This not only boosts growth performance but also helps in reducing feed costs.

Manufacturer´s main claims

  • Enhances nutrient absorption
  • Aids in the development of stronger bones
  • Contributes to immune system fortification
  • Reduces feed costs
  • Enhances growth performance
  • Decreases environmental impact
  • Facilitates the availability of essential amino acids, energy sources, and minerals such as calcium

 

Technical specifications of Nutrase® P

EU category
Zootechnical additives

Functional group of additives
Digestibility enhancers

Active substance
6-phytase (EC 3.1.3.26)

Phytase activity in the product
Available in different concentrations starting with 10,000 FTU/g in the granulate, thermostable granulate and liquid form. The product is also available as a powder form containing 100,000 FTU/g. 

EU approval, minimum content

500 FTU/kg feed for the animal categories below:

All poultry species for fattening
All poultry species reared for laying
Ornamental birds

End of the period of EU authorisation

1 May 2034

EU code

4a46

Production organism

Komagataella phaffii (CGMCC 7.19)


Product storage stability

Shelf-Life Study for Solid Formulations:

  • Studied formulations: Nutrase PD 5,000 U/G, Nutrase PT 10,000 U/G, Nutrase PTS 10,000 U/G.
  • Storage conditions: 20°C and 30°C for up to 18 months.
  • Results:
    • Nutrase PD 5,000 U/G: 80% activity at 20°C, 77% at 30°C after 18 months.
    • Nutrase PT 10,000 U/G: 85% activity at 20°C, 80% at 30°C after 18 months.
    • Nutrase PTS 10,000 U/G: 89% activity at 20°C, 84% at 30°C after 18 months.

Shelf-Life Study for Liquid Formulation:

  • Studied formulation: Nutrase PL 10,000 U/G.
  • Storage conditions: 20°C and 4°C for up to 6 months.
  • Results:
    • 89% activity at 20°C after 6 months.
    • 96% activity at 4°C after 6 months.


Storage stability in premix and feed

  • With the objective of evaluating the stability of phytase in feed using solid and liquid formulations of Nutrase PD, Nutrase PG, Nutrase PTS, and Nutrase PL in chicken feed a study was carried out.

  • Feed Types and Additions:

    • Mash feed was supplemented with solid formulations: Nutrase PD, Nutrase PG, and Nutrase PTS.
    • Pelleted feed included both solid and liquid formulations: Nutrase PD, Nutrase PG, Nutrase PTS, and Nutrase PL.
    • Expected phytase level: 500 FTU/kg feed.

  • Pelleting Process and Temperature Effects:

    • Mash feed with solid formulations was pelleted at temperatures of 65°C and 85°C.
    • Heat treatment resulted in activity loss for Nutrase PD and Nutrase PG, with recovery rates of 58% and 72%, respectively, at 65°C.
    • Nutrase PTS showed no activity loss at 65°C and a recovery rate of 72% at 85°C.

  • Storage and Stability:

    • Both mash and pelleted feed samples were stored for 3 months at room temperature in plastic bags.
    • Stability in mash feed showed recovery values of 93% for Nutrase PD, 96% for Nutrase PG, and 110% for Nutrase PTS.
    • Stability in pelleted feed showed no changes in initial enzyme activity for Nutrase PD, Nutrase PG, Nutrase PTS, and Nutrase PL.

Stability in Vitamin and Mineral Premixture:

  • Conditions: Stored for 6 months at room temperature in plastic bags.
  • Results:
    • Nutrase PD: 80% of initial enzyme activity.
    • Nutrase PG: 77% of initial enzyme activity.
    • Nutrase PTS: 121% of initial enzyme activity.


Homogeneity

A study examined how evenly phytase could be distributed in pelleted feeds by analyzing 10 subsamples. The results showed the following coefficients of variation (CV) for each type of feed:

  • Nutrase PD: 6.4%
  • Nutrase PG: 6.3%
  • Nutrase PTS: 7.9%
  • Nutrase PL: 6.6%


Physical properties

  1. Powder Formulation (Nutrase PD, 100,000 U/G):

    • Composition: Phytase concentrate (26%) and corn starch (up to 100%).
    • Moisture Content: Up to 8%.
    • Batch Variation: Mean value of 126,400 U/g, ranging from 124,000 to 130,000 U/g.
    • Particle Size Distribution: Below 100 µm (82%), below 50 µm (34%), below 10 µm (2.8%).
    • Dusting Potential: 9.8 to 14.7 g/m³ (average 12.6 g/m³).
    • Density: 500–600 kg/m³.

  2. Granular Formulation (Nutrase PG, 10,000 U/G):

    • Composition: Phytase concentrate (3%), pregelatinised starch (3%), sodium carboxy methyl cellulose (1%), water (8%), and corn starch (up to 100%).
    • Batch Variation: Mean value of 13,440 U/g, ranging from 13,000 to 13,800 U/g.
    • Particle Size Distribution: Below 100 µm (10%), below 50 µm (9%), below 10 µm (0.8%).
    • Dusting Potential: 0.7 to 2.1 g/m³ (average 1.3 g/m³).
    • Density: 600–700 kg/m³.

  3. Thermostable Formulation (Nutrase PTS, 10,000 U/G):

    • Composition: Phytase concentrate (3%), sodium carboxy methyl cellulose (1%), water (8%), magnesium sulphate (8%), and corn starch (up to 100%).
    • Batch Variation: Mean value of 13,100 U/g, ranging from 12,900 to 13,500 U/g.
    • Particle Size Distribution: Below 100 µm (46%), below 50 µm (36%), below 10 µm (22%).
    • Dusting Potential: 52.8 to 62.3 g/m³ (average 58.3 g/m³).
    • Density: 700–800 kg/m³.

  4. Liquid Formulation (Nutrase PL, 10,000 U/G):

    • Composition: Phytase concentrate (11%), sodium chloride (14%), potassium sorbate (1%), sorbate (1%), and deionised water (up to 100%).
    • Batch Variation: Mean value of 12,540 U/g, ranging from 12,200 to 12,800 U/g.
    • Density: 1,100 kg/m³.


Handling
The European Commission states: "For users of the additive and premixtures, feed business operators shall establish operational procedures and organisational measures to address potential risks resulting from its use. Where those risks cannot be eliminated by such procedures and measures, the additive and premixtures shall be used with personal breathing, eye and skin protective equipment."

Manufacturer

Nutrax

List of references

EFSA (2020). Safety and efficacy of Nutrase P (6-phytase) for chickens for fattening, other poultry for fattening, reared for laying and ornamental birds. EFSA Journal 2020;18(11):6282

EU (2024). COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2024/1057 of 10 April 2024 concerning the authorisation of a preparation of 6-phytase produced by Komagataella phaffii CGMCC 7.19 as a feed additive for all poultry species for fattening or reared for laying and ornamental birds (holder of authorisation: Nutrex N.V.). Official Journal of the European Union, http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2024/1057/oj