EN 39520 Enzyme Activity Retention in Animal Feed
The European standard EN 39520:2021 defines the method for determining the enzyme activity retention of feed additives, particularly enzymes used as feed supplements. This testing ensures that the enzyme's activity is maintained throughout processing and storage to optimize their effectiveness in animal nutrition.
Enzymes are crucial components of feed additives aimed at improving nutrient digestion and absorption by livestock. They assist in breaking down complex nutrients into simpler forms that are more accessible for animals, thus enhancing growth rates and overall health. However, the stability of these enzymes during processing, storage, and eventual consumption is critical to their efficacy.
The standard specifies a procedure involving thermal incubation at defined temperatures (typically 40°C) followed by pH adjustment using hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide. The retention is measured as the percentage of enzyme activity remaining after these conditions compared to initial activity levels. This ensures that feed additives meet stringent quality standards, ensuring consistent performance and efficacy.
Feed additives undergo rigorous testing before being incorporated into animal feeds. Compliance with EN 39520 guarantees that producers can provide reliable products that enhance nutritional outcomes without compromising safety or efficacy.
This testing method is pivotal for the food & feed sector, ensuring that enzyme-based supplements remain effective even under varied environmental conditions encountered during production and distribution. It supports quality assurance programs by offering a standardized approach to assess retention rates accurately across different batches and formulations.
Understanding the practical implications of this standard helps stakeholders in the food & feed industry ensure consistent product performance, thereby contributing significantly to animal welfare and productivity.
Why It Matters
The importance of enzyme activity retention cannot be overstated when it comes to optimizing livestock diets. Ensuring that enzymes retain their activity throughout processing and storage enhances the nutritional benefits they provide, leading to better feed efficiency and animal health.
- Better Feed Efficiency: Retaining full enzyme activity ensures that more nutrients are broken down into forms easily absorbed by animals, reducing waste and increasing feed conversion ratios.
- Improved Animal Health: Stable enzymes promote better gut health and digestion, leading to healthier livestock with improved immune responses.
- Sustainable Practices: Ensuring enzyme stability reduces the need for higher doses of supplements, which can be costly and environmentally taxing.
The standard not only supports ethical farming practices but also plays a role in sustainable agriculture by optimizing resource use while minimizing environmental impact. By adhering to EN 39520, manufacturers contribute positively towards these goals, making the sector more efficient and eco-friendly.
Applied Standards
| Standard Number | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| EN 39520:2021 | Determination of enzyme activity retention in animal feed | This European standard specifies the method for determining the enzyme activity retention of feed additives, particularly enzymes used as feed supplements. |
| ISO 6222:2018 | Determination of amylase activity in liquid enzymes | An international standard that provides a reference method for measuring amylase activity in liquid enzyme preparations. |
| ASTM E375-19 | Standard test methods for determination of protease activity in solid and liquid enzyme products | This American standard outlines the procedures for assessing protease activities in both solid and liquid enzyme formulations used as feed additives. |
The application of these standards ensures that all aspects of enzyme testing are consistent with recognized international practices, providing a robust foundation for quality assurance within the food & feed industry. Compliance with such standards not only enhances product reliability but also fosters trust among consumers and regulatory bodies.
Quality and Reliability Assurance
- Thermal Stability: Ensuring that enzymes maintain their activity after being exposed to high temperatures encountered during processing.
- pH Stability: Guaranteeing enzyme stability over a range of pH levels, reflecting real-world conditions in animal stomachs and intestines.
- Storage Duration: Evaluating how long enzymes remain active under normal storage conditions before incorporation into feed.
- Processing Impact: Assessing the effect of various processing methods (e.g., milling, pelleting) on enzyme activity retention.
To achieve reliable results, laboratories must employ advanced analytical techniques like spectrophotometry and chromatography to measure enzyme activities accurately. Additionally, maintaining strict quality control measures during testing ensures consistent outcomes across multiple batches and lots of feed additives.
Quality assurance in this context goes beyond mere compliance with standards; it involves continuous improvement efforts aimed at enhancing the accuracy and precision of tests. This commitment to excellence helps ensure that only high-quality products reach marketplaces, ultimately benefiting both producers and consumers alike.
