The Real Story: Why Enzyme Recovery Alone Doesn’t Equal Efficacy In Poultry

Given their critical role in nutrient utilization, enzyme solutions in poultry nutrition are subject to continuous and necessary evaluation. But one of the most persistent misconceptions in the field is using post-pellet recovery as the primary benchmark to predict in-vivo enzyme performance.

Why Recovery Isn’t the Whole Story

Sure, pelleting temperatures can be punishing. And yes, it makes sense to confirm that an enzyme survives the feed manufacturing process. But just because an enzyme is recovered in the pellet doesn’t mean it’s active or effective where it matters most which is in the gut of the bird.

This misunderstanding is especially common when evaluating protease enzymes where some treat recovery percentages like a pass/fail test. But they are missing the big picture: persistence through pelleting is not the same as bio efficacy in-vivo.

Beyond Heat Stability

The genetic selection of microorganisms is fundamental in enzyme production, particularly in determining thermal stability. Heat tolerance is often influenced by the native environment of the microbial strain. For example, Bacillus licheniformis PWD-1, isolated from a volcanic region, naturally produces a heat-stable protease due to its genetic adaptation to high-temperature conditions (Huang et al., 2000).

When protease technology combines intrinsic heat stability with a functional probiotic spore component, the spores leverage the bird’s gut to activate a second wave of enzyme activity, potentially germinate in the intestine, and triggers localized enzyme production.

Birds fed feed pelleted at 79 Degree Celsius with an inclusion of CIBENZA^® EP150 Protease Enzyme Feed Additive shows an increase in spores in the GI tract suggesting that the protease and spore activity is activated where and when they are needed which is inside the bird (Figure 1). This dual-action delivery system offers nutritional value beyond the enzyme assay conducted post-pelleting.

Ultimately, the most reliable indicator of enzyme efficacy isn’t a lab test, it’s the bird itself. If the birds on your operation are showing improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) and body weight gain then your enzyme is doing its job, regardless of its recovery percentage in the pellet.

Avoid the Oversimplification Trap

When evaluating a protease solution, ask

• Does this enzyme deliver benefits in-vivo?
• Are there performance trial results showing consistent ROI?
• What’s the delivery mechanism once inside the bird?

Using enzyme recovery as a first filter might make sense from a feed mill perspective but it shouldn’t be the only gatekeeper in your nutrition program. Because it’s not just about what survives the heat. It’s about what delivers results in your birds.

At NOVUS, we champion intelligent nutrition – a philosophy grounded in science, practical insight, and solutions made for real animal performance.

See how professional-grade enzymes can help achieve serious results at novusint.com/enzymes