DOI: https://doi.org/10.5513/JCEA01/26.4.4681
Review article
Exploring the benefits of β-mannanase supplementation in dairy cattle nutrition, performance, and a sustainable environment
2025, 26 (4) p. 825-834
Emmanuel ONCHE, Tajudeen HABEEB, Francis DENEN, Shedrack OMALE
Abstract
The use of enzymes to improve nutrient utilisation in ruminants has gained significant attention due to their catalytic effects on forages, in breaking down complex polysaccharides such as β-mannan. Cattle typically exhibit low feed efficiency due to the indigestible cell wall contents in their diets, making the inclusion of enzymes like β-mannanase essential. This review explores the benefits of β-mannanase supplementation on the performance, health, and environmental sustainability of dairy cattle. β-mannanase enhances nutrient utilisation by hydrolysing β-mannan, which improves feed efficiency, milk yield, and gut health. By reducing the viscosity of digesta and lowering the energy required for digestion, β-mannanase facilitates more efficient nutrient absorption, leading to enhanced animal productivity. Studies have demonstrated that β-mannanase supplementation can increase milk production by up to 30 - 35% in dairy cows, although it may occasionally result in milk fat reduction. Additionally, β-mannanase has been linked to improved udder health, as evidenced by reduced somatic cell counts in milk, which is indicative of lower mastitis risk and overall animal health. Beyond its benefits to cattle, it contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing nitrogen and phosphorus excretion, thereby mitigating the environmental impact of dairy farming. However, the efficacy of β-mannanase is influenced by dosage, dietary composition, and animal breed, with optimal results observed at a 0.1% inclusion rate. Despite its benefits, the application of β-mannanase comes with some challenges. The variability across different studies highlights the need for further research to establish dosages, evaluate long-term safety, and explore species-specific formulations.
Keywords
additive, enzyme, feed efficiency, properties, milk yield
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