The enzyme plant began production of Natuphos phytase, a market-leading enzyme supplement for poultry and pig feed, earlier this year. "Investing in enzyme production helps strengthen BASF’s position as a world leader for this critical animal nutrition product," said Niall McStay, Director, Animal Nutrition, for BASF in North America. McStay added that as part of its commercial efforts, BASF is seeking a distribution partner for Natugrain Wheat TS enzyme in Canada. "Natugrain Wheat TS can significantly improve the performance of wheat-based animal diets that are characteristic in Canada," McStay said.

Increased digestibility
Natugrain Wheat TS promotes the breakdown of arabinoxylane, a structural component of plant-based animal feed. The xylanase enzyme stimulates growth rates by improving digestibility. It allows increased nutrient absorption and better diffusion of pancreatic enzymes in the digestive system.

Natuphos phytase helps monogastric animals such as chickens and pigs to utilize the naturally occurring phosphorus in plant ingredients better, reducing the need for supplemental phosphorus in their diets. This in turn lowers the amount of phosphate excretion, thereby lowering soil and water contamination by approximately one-third.

Relevant link: BASF