Elanco Animal Health has launched Hemicell™ XT, a new nutrient-sparing enzyme, to its range for pig and poultry producers.

This gut-health enhancing supplement supports nutrient uptake and has the potential to reduce overall feed costs due to the improved utilisation of dietary energy.

Agustina Rodriguez, Elanco technical nutritionist consultant, explains that while there is a temptation to remove the number of ingredients in rations to save costs, it can be false economy in the long-term.

Most plant-based raw materials contain ß-mannans, undigestible fibres that monogastric livestock cannot breakdown. When ß-mannans are found in a ration, energy that should be used for growth, is diverted towards a Feed-Induced Immune Response (FIIR), impairing bird performance potential.

Hemicell™ XT offers a solution and advanced formulation compared to existing market options. "The energy-sparing enzyme performs in the same way as Hemicell™ HT," says Ms Rodriguez. "But it contains an upgraded carrier that is proven to further enhance diet quality."

"This change to the formulation allows for improved flowability and mixing within a ration. It results in a larger, more uniform particle size, offering greater uniformity and reduced dust during application.

Hemicell™ XT also has an enzyme concentration 2.25 times higher than the original Hemicell™ HT formulation. This accommodates a wide range of application methods, including within complete feeds, premix and speciality mixes.

"In the current climate, the use of Hemicell™ HT in premixed ration formulations is less convenient. But the increased concentration and therefore lower dose of Hemicell™ XT means it takes up half the storage and transportation space as the original Hemicell™ HT formulation, increasing the flexibility" concludes Ms Rodriguez.

To find out more about Hemicell™ XT, please contact Elanco at elancouk@elanco.com