Enzymes as Antimicrobials: A Look into Their Gut Enhancing Properties and Nutrient Absorption Capacity

Animal health has always been very important as they are critical in the agriculture sector and for maintaining the ecosystem. Their health is closely dependent on a strong gut, as both are strongly correlated. To maintain their gut health, many additives, e.g., exogenous enzymes, are incorporated in the feed because other cost-effective ingredients bring along anti-nutritional factors. When enzymes are added to the feed, they enhance the nutrient absorption and boost the digestibility of the gut by causing the death of harmful bacteria. Cellulases, xylases, and exogenous lysozymes, when added to an animal diet, increase the overall digestion, digestible energy intake, and performance. Enzymes have their own mechanism of action to kill the pathogenic bacteria by revealing their antimicrobial effects. They are being added to the diet of swine, ruminants, aquatic species, and dogs as they have the ability to boost gut health as well as nutrient absorption.