THE MODE OF ACTION OF NSP HYDROLYZING ENZYMES IN THE GASTROINTESTINAL-TRACT

NSP hydrolysing enzymes are used as feed additives especially in cerea l based feed for young poultry and to some extent for piglets. The ben eficial effects depend on various factors and vary for poultry between 0 and 9% with regard to weight gain. The mode of action of these feed additives is not well understood. The basis of action is the partial hydrolysis of NSP in the upper digestive tract leading to a decrease o f digesta viscosity in the small intestine and to a softening of the s o called cage effect. In addition to direct effects on nutrient digest ion and absorption, morphological-histological modifications and metab olic responses of the intestinal tissues as well as modifications of q uantity and composition of the intestinal microflora seem to be involv ed in the overall response to the NSP hydrolysing enzymes.