IFF launches dairy phytase targeting Middle East and Africa

MEA – IFF has launched Omni-Bos™ PHY, a phytase enzyme developed specifically for dairy cattle, with initial launches planned across the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific to help producers improve nutrient utilisation and feed efficiency.

The enzyme is designed to break down phytate and release nutrients already present in feed, enabling dairy cows to derive greater value from existing feed ingredients. 

IFF said this could help producers reduce reliance on supplemental phosphorus and protected amino acids while supporting lower feed costs and nutrient losses.

Phytate is a naturally occurring compound in plant-based feed ingredients that can bind phosphorus, protein, amino acids, and minerals, limiting their availability to animals.

 While phytase has been widely used in poultry and swine nutrition, IFF said its effectiveness in dairy cattle has historically been limited because conventional enzymes were not designed for the digestive conditions of ruminants.

Omni-Bos™ PHY was developed specifically for ruminants and is designed to remain active in the abomasum, where its activity can further break down phytate that has not been fully degraded in the rumen. 

This is intended to increase the availability of phytate-bound nutrients for absorption.

IFF said one study found that Omni-Bos™ PHY reduced undegraded phytate in the abomasum by approximately 70% compared with a control diet. 

Additional studies in lactating dairy cows reported improvements in phosphorus and phytate digestibility, crude protein and calcium digestibility, as well as reductions in nitrogen and phosphorus excretion.

The enzyme can be incorporated into concentrates, premixes and total mixed rations. 

IFF said the technology is intended to help producers extract more nutritional value from each tonne of feed while improving nutrient-use efficiency and supporting sustainability objectives.

“Traditional phytase enzymes were not designed to withstand the unique digestive conditions of dairy cattle,” said Ester Vinyeta, Innovation Director, Animal Nutrition & Health at IFF Health & Biosciences.

The launch comes as dairy producers face pressure to improve productivity while managing feed costs. 

IFF said global milk production is projected to grow by 2% annually over the coming decade, increasing the focus on nutrient efficiency.

Regina Cortada, Vice President, Animal Nutrition & Health at IFF Health & Biosciences, said the company’s research challenged the assumption that dairy cows fully utilise phytate in feed and found that its breakdown can be incomplete.

The initial Middle East and Africa launch gives dairy producers in these regions access to a ruminant-specific phytase as IFF expands its animal nutrition portfolio.

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