ß-Mannans (ß-galactomannans) are non-starch polysaccharide (NSP) fibres found in leguminous feed ingredients including soybean meal. The animals’ innate immune system recognizes ß-mannans as an intruder because they have a similar molecular
pattern to some pathogens.
1,2,3,4,5 This triggers an innate immune response which consumes energy and nutrients.
6,7,8,9 Even small amounts of ß-mannans trigger the response. The presence of the ß-mannan fibres causes
the diversion of energy away from growth.
6-9(It also reduces nutrient absorption
12,13 and lowers secretion of insulin.
10,11) This response can consume about 3% of total metabolizable energy.
14
A health enzyme can be used to combat this. It works by breaking down ß-mannans in soybean meal and other common feedstuffs.
12,14 By acting on the ß-mannans in the feed, the innate immune response is minimized. The resulting
breakdown product created does not trigger the Feed-Induced Immune Response (FIIR). Instead, the animal’s body directs energy to growth and performance.
6-9
References
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