Effects of Exogenous Fibrolytic Enzymes on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Haematological and Serum Biochemical Indices, and Manure Output of Kano Brown Bucks

Why It Matters

Higher digestibility lowers feed costs and manure output, giving goat producers a cost‑effective, environmentally sustainable tool.

Key Takeaways

• Bovizyme® raised dry matter digestibility to 79% in bucks
• Enzyme groups showed no significant change in weight gain
• Manure output dropped to 0.23 kg/day in control, lower with enzymes
• Health indices stayed normal despite enzyme supplementation

Pulse Analysis

The livestock feed industry has turned to exogenous fibrolytic enzymes as a low‑cost strategy to unlock the energy trapped in plant cell walls. By breaking down cellulose and hemicellulose, products like Bovizyme® and Betafin® enable ruminants to extract more nutrients from conventional forages, a trend that aligns with rising feed‑price volatility and sustainability mandates. Analysts note that the global market for animal‑feed enzymes is projected to grow double‑digit percentages annually, driven by both dairy and meat sectors seeking efficiency gains.

In a controlled 12‑week trial with Kano Brown bucks, researchers found that while overall feed intake and average daily gain remained statistically unchanged, enzyme‑supplemented diets dramatically enhanced nutrient digestibility. Dry matter digestibility climbed to 79%, crude protein to 84.68%, and fiber to 80.5% under Bovizyme® treatment, outpacing the control group. Hematological and serum biochemical markers stayed within normal physiological limits, confirming that enzyme use does not compromise animal health. Moreover, manure output fell, indicating reduced nutrient excretion and a smaller environmental footprint for the operation.

For goat producers, these results translate into tangible economic and ecological benefits. Better digestibility means less feed required per unit of weight gain, directly cutting input costs. Lower manure volumes reduce handling expenses and mitigate nitrogen runoff concerns, supporting compliance with emerging environmental regulations. Feed formulators can therefore consider incorporating fibrolytic enzymes as a value‑adding ingredient, especially in regions where high‑fiber roughages dominate rations. Continued field trials and cost‑benefit analyses will help refine dosing strategies and confirm long‑term profitability, positioning exogenous enzymes as a cornerstone of sustainable small‑ruminant production.