Digestive Enzymes - Feed Ingredient

Digestive enzymes are biologically active proteins that catalyze the breakdown of dietary macronutrients into absorbable units. In equine nutrition, supplemental digestive enzymes may include amylase (starch digestion), protease (protein digestion), lipase (fat digestion), cellulase (fiber breakdown), and other enzyme classes derived from microbial, fungal, or plant sources. These enzymes are typically produced through fermentation processes using organisms such as Aspergillus niger, Bacillus subtilis, or Trichoderma reesei.

In feed and supplement formulations, digestive enzymes are included to enhance nutrient digestibility and support digestive efficiency, particularly in horses with compromised gut function or when feeding high-starch or low-quality forage diets.