Effects of Non-Starch Polysaccharide-Degrading Enzymes on Nutrient Digestibility, Growth Performance and Blood Profiles of Growing Pigs Fed a Diet Based on Corn and Soybean Meal (Report‪)‬

INTRODUCTION Soluble nonstarch polysaccharides (NSP) have antinutritional effect and cannot be degraded by pigs because pigs cannot excrete NSP enzymes. Therefore, there has been considerable interest in applying exogenous non-starch polysaccharides degrading enzyme preparations for potential benefits. The effects of exogenous enzymes on growth performance and nutrient digestibility may be influenced by enzyme preparations, the physiological status of the animal and feed ingredient. Numerous studies show the most likely application would be in weanling pigs (Omogbenigun et al., 2004; Shim et al., 2004). However, exogenous enzymes studies with older pigs appear less effective because older pigs are more able to digest fiber than younger pigs.