Mechanism of protease and its application in animal production
Huang Tian
Qian Meihui
Meng Yong
Zhou Jian
Jiang Shijie
Zhang Xiuhong
Wang Xiaohan
Abstract：Antigenic proteins,protease inhibitors,lectins,and urease are the main protein-based anti-nutritional factors in plant-based diets.They affect the digestion and absorption of dietary nutrients in various forms or ways,leading to poor growth performance or impaired health in livestock and poultry,thereby limiting the efficient utilization of plant-based diets.Proteases are a class of enzymes that act on proteinaceous substances,degrading them into polypeptides,small peptides,or amino acids.However,during certain specific periods in the production process(such as the early or lactation stages),the secretion of proteases in animals is insufficient.The exogenous addition of proteases to the diet can effectively degrade large molecular proteins,eliminate the effects of protein-based anti-nutritional factors,improve the absorption and utilization of dietary nutrients,enhance animal growth performance and product quality,and thereby improve the economic benefits of farming.This article summarizes the mechanism of action,enzymatic characteristics,and classification of proteases,and elaborates on the current practical application of proteases in animal production,with the aim of providing a reference for the efficient use of proteases as novel feed additives.
Keywords：ProteaseAnimal productionFeed additives
Publication Date：2025-12-15
Online Publishing Date：2026-01-12(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：6( 76-81 )