Enzymatic hydrolysis: what it is and how it enhances the quality of ingredients for animal nutritional health

Date: 09/09/2024

Enzymatic hydrolysis is a biotechnological process that is increasingly valued in the animal nutrition industry. This method allows ingredients to be transformed into more efficient and nutritious forms, enhancing the health and performance of animals. In this context, we will explore what enzymatic hydrolysis is, how it works, its benefits, and how it is applied in animal nutrition.

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What is enzymatic hydrolysis?

Enzymatic hydrolysis is a biotechnological process that uses specific enzymes to break down long protein chains into smaller fragments known as peptides.

Unlike thermal and chemical hydrolysis, the enzymatic process occurs under mild conditions of temperature, pH, and pressure, thereby avoiding protein degradation and enhancing nutrient absorption. This process is fundamental for optimizing the quality of ingredients in animal nutrition, providing a solid foundation for a balanced and efficient diet.

With this application, it is possible to create ingredients that more precisely meet the nutritional needs of animals, which is crucial for their development and health maintenance.

Use of hydrolyzed proteins in animal feed

Hydrolyzed proteins are widely used in animal feed due to their enhanced functional and nutritional properties with essential amino acids. They are incorporated into feed to improve palatability, increase digestibility, and provide a high-quality source of amino acids.

With this application, it is possible to create ingredients that more precisely meet the nutritional needs of animals, which is crucial for their development and health maintenance.

Use of hydrolyzed proteins in animal feed

This application is particularly beneficial in diets for young, elderly, or nutritionally sensitive animals, where efficient digestion and rapid nutrient absorption are essential for promoting health and growth.

Benefits of enzymatic hydrolysis

Enzymatic hydrolysis offers a range of benefits that extend beyond the simple breakdown of proteins. This process can transform common ingredients into powerful nutritional supplements that provide significant advantages in animal nutrition:

Improved nutrient absorption

By breaking down proteins into smaller peptides, enzymatic hydrolysis facilitates digestion and nutrient absorption in the body. This means that nutrients are utilized more efficiently.

Positive impacts on animal health and performance

One of the most significant aspects of enzymatic hydrolysis is the generation of bioactive peptides, molecules that perform specific and highly beneficial functions in the animal body. In addition to modulating metabolism and aiding in the regulation of growth and muscle development, these properties are essential for strengthening the immune system, improving disease resistance, and promoting faster recovery from infections and injuries.

Versatility in applications for the food and animal nutrition industries

Enzymatic hydrolysis is highly versatile and can be applied across various fields, from animal nutrition to the food industry. This makes it a valuable tool for creating products tailored to the specific needs of different species and life stages.

Chicken protein hydrolysate as an effective solution for animal nutrition

One of the most promising applications of enzymatic hydrolysis is the production of chicken protein hydrolysate. Derived from chicken meat by-products, this ingredient undergoes an enzymatic hydrolysis process, resulting in the formation of bioactive peptides with low molecular weight.

At BRF Ingredients, the production of chicken protein hydrolysate is carried out with rigorous quality control. The product's functionality is ensured by a combination of critical factors, including the selection of specific enzymes, the freshness of the raw material, and precise processing conditions. Moreover, the complete traceability of the entire production chain guarantees that every batch delivered meets the highest safety and quality standards.

This hydrolysate is particularly effective in the nutrition of various species. For instance, in tilapia, it demonstrates a digestibility of over 90%, surpassing fish meal, which has 82%. Additionally, the product has been shown to significantly promote growth in pigs and cats, contributing to better quality of life and minimizing waste.

As we can see, enzymatic hydrolysis is a crucial process for improving the quality of ingredients used in animal nutrition. Understanding what it is and how it works allows us to appreciate its benefits, from improved nutrient absorption to positive impacts on animal health and performance. Its versatility makes it a valuable tool across various industries, especially in animal feed.

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