As feed costs continue to rise, producers are under pressure to get more value out of every tonne of feed. For Belgian-based Nutrex, the answer lies in enzymes — powerful biological catalysts that enhance feed digestibility, animal health, and farm profitability.

Recognized globally as a leader in specialty feed additives, Nutrex operates in more than 50 countries and has built a reputation for innovation through its Nutrase® enzyme range. Designed to improve nutrient utilization and reduce environmental impact, Nutrase® products are helping producers make animal protein production more efficient and sustainable.

“Feed is the largest single cost in most livestock systems,” said Kurt and Geert Van de Mierop, CEOs of Nutrex. “By improving digestion and nutrient absorption, enzymes reduce the need for extra feed inputs, cutting costs while improving animal performance and welfare.”

Unlocking more value from feed

Feed enzymes work by breaking down complex molecules in feed ingredients into smaller, more digestible components. This not only improves nutrient uptake and growth rates but also supports gut health by reducing anti-nutritional factors and stimulating beneficial gut microflora.

Nutrex’s Nutrase® portfolio includes single enzymes such as phytase and xylanase, as well as multi-enzyme blends. Among them:

• Nutrase® P (6-phytase): releases phosphorus from phytate, reducing the need for inorganic supplements and phosphorus excretion.

• Nutrase® BXP: a multi-enzyme blend that breaks down complex carbohydrates for better feed digestibility.

• Nutrase® Xyla HS: a high-purity xylanase that improves the energy value of feed by breaking down arabinoxylans.

Across trials, these enzymes have consistently shown measurable gains — with feed conversion ratio (FCR) improvements of 4–5% and growth rate increases of 4–6%, alongside better gut health and nutrient digestibility.

A win for producers and the planet

The environmental benefits of enzymes are equally significant. By enabling the use of more diverse raw materials and reducing undigested nutrients in manure, Nutrase® enzymes lower nutrient runoff and carbon intensity across livestock systems.

This dual focus on performance and sustainability is central to Nutrex’s mission. The company’s enzymes allow producers to balance efficiency and animal welfare — improving feed conversion, reducing medical interventions, and maintaining high health standards.

European approval for Nutrase® P

In 2024, Nutrex’s Nutrase® P received approval from the European Commission for use in poultry feed — a milestone that validates its safety and efficacy. The enzyme improves phosphorus and calcium digestibility, enhances bone mineralization, and reduces environmental phosphorus losses.

“The European approval confirms the quality and reliability of our enzyme technology,” said the Van de Mierops. “We remain committed to developing cost-effective, science-backed solutions that help our partners achieve more sustainable production.”

With continued investment in research and innovation, Nutrex is helping redefine how enzymes contribute to both profitability and sustainability in modern livestock production — from gut health to cost efficiency, and from the farm gate to the environment.