Trypsin Inhibitor and Nutrient Utilization in Broilers

In the global poultry industry, feed efficiency is a cornerstone of profitability and performance. However, a pervasive challenge often disrupts protein digestion and bird performance—trypsin inhibitors, which are found in feed materials like soybean meal. These naturally occurring proteins impair enzymatic activity, reducing amino acid absorption, which is especially harmful to young birds with immature digestive systems.

Trypsin inhibitors are anti-nutritional factors that bind to the enzyme trypsin, hindering its ability to break down proteins into absorbable amino acids. This blockage leads to decreased protein utilization, increased pancreatic enzyme secretion, and, in severe cases, pancreatic hypertrophy and intestinal inflammation.^1-3 These disruptions ultimately translate into poor feed conversion ratios, stunted growth, and reduced profitability.

Chicks are especially vulnerable. Research shows that trypsin production in chicks remains minimal until around day 14 and only reaches peak levels near day 21. This early growth period coincides with the highest risk of negative impact from trypsin inhibitors, making targeted nutritional strategies critical during this phase.⁴

While trypsin inhibitors can be reduced via heat treatment, overheating feedstuffs, particularly soybean meal, has a negative impact on protein quality and amino acid digestibility. Exogenous protease enzymes are shown to increase the digestibility of feedstuffs, lower feed costs, and improve animal performance. In research and field trials, intrinsically heat-stable CIBENZA® DP100 Enzyme Feed Additive is shown to optimize protein digestion in the presence of anti-nutritional factors. The protease activity helps break down complex proteins and reduce the effect of trypsin inhibitors, improving amino acid absorption. The enzyme also optimizes overall feed efficiency by minimizing the impact of other anti-nutritional factors like glycinin and beta-conglycinin, resulting in higher growth rates and improved feed conversion ratio.⁵

By optimizing digestion and minimizing undigested protein in the gut, CIBENZA® DP100 Enzyme Feed Additive also helps to reduce substrate availability for pathogenic bacteria such as Clostridium perfringens (resulting in necrotic enteritis), E. coli, and Salmonella, supporting better gut microbiota balance.⁶

As for young birds, by targeting the developmental window when birds are most susceptible, CIBENZA® DP100 Enzyme Feed Additive can optimize young bird performance and long-term flock uniformity. Key results show birds fed the protease saw an 8% increase in body weight on day 42 compared to non-supplemented birds and a 2.4% reduction in feed conversion ratio, signifying more efficient feed utilization.⁷

Intelligent nutrition solutions allow poultry producers to get more from their feed while supporting digestibility and gut health. CIBENZA® DP100 Enzyme Feed Additive is part of the NOVUS portfolio of smarter solutions—designed for producers who expect more.

References

1. Pacheco, Wilmer & Stark, C & Ferket, Peter & Brake, J. (2014). Effects of trypsin inhibitor and particle size of expeller-extracted soybean meal on broiler live performance and weight of gizzard and pancreas. Poultry science. 93. 10.3382/ps.2014-03986.
2. García-Rebollar, L. Cámara, R.P. Lázaro, C. Dapoza, R. Pérez-Maldonado, G.G. Mateos, Influence of the origin of the beans on the chemical composition and nutritive value of commercial soybean meals, Animal Feed Science and Technology, Volume 221, Part B, 2016, Pages 245-261, ISSN 0377-8401, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2016.07.007

3. Rada, Vojtech & Lichovnikova, Martina & Safarik, Ivo. (2016). The effect of soybean meal replacement with raw full-fat soybean in diets for broiler chickens. Journal of Applied Animal Research. 45. 112-117. 10.1080/09712119.2015.1124337.
4. Noy, Yael & SKLAN, DAVID. (1995). Digestion and Absorption in the Young Chick. Poultry science. 74. 366-73. 10.3382/ps.0740366.
5. Wang, Ding & Piao, Xiangshu & Zeng, Zhi kai & Lu, T. & Zhang, Qian & Li, P. & Xue, Lingfeng & Kim, Sung. (2011). Effects of Keratinase on Performance, Nutrient Utilization, Intestinal Morphology, Intestinal Ecology and Inflammatory Response of Weaned Piglets Fed Diets with Different Levels of Crude Protein. Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences. 24. 10.5713/ajas.2011.11132.
6. Yan, J.J. Dibner, C.D. Knight, M. Vazquez-Anon,Effect of carbohydrase and protease on growth performance and gut health of young broilers fed diets containing rye, wheat, and feather meal, Poultry Science, Volume 96, Issue 4, 2017, Pages 817-828, ISSN 0032-5791, https://doi.org/10.3382/ps/pew300.
7. Yan et al., Internal NOVUS research

David Sanchez Torres

Mr. David Torres coordinates the diverse Technical Services team throughout North and South America as the team works directly with customers to solve production challenges and help animals meet producer goals. He also works to align the Marketing and Sales teams in the Americas and leverage NOVUS product share in this growing market. Read more about Mr. Torres...