The use of exogenous enzymes in animal nutrition 3. Practical results of enzyme supplementation to diets in feeding of ruminants

In the third part of the paper, entitled,,The use of exogenous enzymes in a nimal nutrition" the authors deal with effects of the enzyme supplementatio n of ruminants' diets. In the introduction a short review of possibilities, advantages and problems in relation to enzyme supplementation of diets is given. Particularly are discussed the anatomical and digestive-physiologica l characteristics of digestion in connection with ruminants. The authors de scribe the results of three recent trials, which were performed with dairy cows. Finally, on the basis of literature data they summarize the productio n (Table 1) and laboratory results (Table 2) that were compiled from experi ments with dairy cows, fattening bulls and lambs which were kept in 22 grou ps and consumed enzyme-supplemented diets. In conclusion, the authors summarize that the exogenous fibrolytic enzymes, applied to the diet of lactating dairy cows, fattening bulls and lambs, ha ve a potential to increase milk production and body weight gain because of enhanced nutrient digestibility within the whole intestinal tract. It is su rprising that the beneficial effects and the magnitude of response to the e nzyme supplementation was affected more by the amount of enzyme and the tim e of addition, than by whether the enzyme was added to the forage or concen trate.