Research shows that adding β-mannanase enzyme to pig feed improves protein absorption significantly. According to Gram Research analysis, young pigs fed a diet supplemented with 400 units per kilogram of β-mannanase absorbed substantially more of three key amino acids—arginine, lysine, and threonine—compared to pigs on regular feed. The enzyme works by reducing digestive tract thickness by 25%, allowing the pigs’ natural digestive enzymes to function more effectively and boosting overall nutrient absorption.
Researchers tested whether adding a special enzyme called β-mannanase to pig feed could help young pigs digest their food more efficiently. According to Gram Research analysis, when pigs ate feed with this enzyme added, they absorbed more protein and other nutrients from their meals. The enzyme worked by making the food less thick and sticky in the pigs’ digestive system, which allowed their natural digestive juices to work better. This small change in feed could help farmers raise healthier, faster-growing pigs while using less feed overall.
Key Statistics
A 2026 research study found that dietary supplementation with 0.05% β-mannanase (400 U/kg feed) significantly increased dry matter and crude protein digestibility in young pigs, with particularly strong improvements in arginine, lysine, and threonine absorption.
According to research reviewed by Gram, β-mannanase supplementation reduced jejunal digesta viscosity by 25% in young pigs, which directly correlated with improved nutrient absorption and increased activity of digestive enzymes including trypsin, protease, and amylase.
A 2026 study of five cannulated pigs demonstrated that the enzyme supplement increased standardized ileal digestibility of arginine, lysine, and threonine by statistically significant margins, with trypsin and protease enzyme activity showing strong positive correlations with improved protein digestibility.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether adding a digestive enzyme (β-mannanase) to soybean-based pig feed helps young pigs absorb more nutrients, especially protein
- Who participated: Five young pigs (about 45 pounds each) that were surgically fitted with special tubes to collect digestive samples. The pigs were fed two different diets: one without the enzyme and one with it
- Key finding: Pigs fed the enzyme-supplemented diet absorbed significantly more protein and key amino acids (arginine, lysine, and threonine) compared to pigs on regular feed. The enzyme reduced thickness in the digestive tract by 25%, allowing better nutrient absorption
- What it means for you: If you raise pigs, this enzyme supplement could improve growth rates and feed efficiency. However, results are from a small study in young pigs, so larger trials are needed before widespread farm use
The Research Details
Researchers used five young pigs in a carefully controlled experiment. One pig received a special diet with no protein to measure baseline digestive losses. The other four pigs alternated between two diets: regular feed and feed containing the β-mannanase enzyme (at 400 units per kilogram of feed). The pigs recovered for two weeks after surgery, then adapted to each diet for four days before researchers collected digestive samples. Scientists then measured how much protein and other nutrients the pigs actually absorbed from their food by analyzing what came out of their digestive systems.
This type of study is called a Latin square design, which is a smart way to test multiple treatments on a small number of animals by having each animal try each diet. The researchers collected digestive material from the small intestine (ileum) where most nutrient absorption happens, which gives them precise information about how well the pigs’ bodies were using the food.
The researchers measured several important things: how much dry matter and protein the pigs digested, the digestibility of nine different amino acids (the building blocks of protein), and the activity levels of three digestive enzymes (trypsin, protease, and amylase). They also measured how thick the digestive material was at different points in the digestive system.
This research approach matters because it directly measures what happens inside the pig’s digestive system rather than just looking at weight gain or feed intake. By using cannulated pigs (pigs with special tubes), researchers can collect actual digestive material and see exactly how much nutrient absorption improved. This gives much more precise information than typical farm studies. Understanding the mechanism—that the enzyme works by reducing viscosity (thickness) and boosting enzyme activity—helps explain why it works and suggests it might work in other situations too
This study has both strengths and limitations. The strength is that it uses a controlled experimental design with precise measurements of digestive processes. The main limitation is the very small sample size (only 5 pigs total, with 4 in the actual comparison). Small studies can show promising results that don’t always hold up in larger populations. The study was published in 2026 in Animal Bioscience, a peer-reviewed journal, which means other experts reviewed it before publication. However, results from such a small study should be considered preliminary and would benefit from confirmation in larger groups of pigs
What the Results Show
Pigs fed the β-mannanase enzyme supplement showed clear improvements in nutrient absorption. Dry matter digestibility (the amount of total solid nutrients absorbed) and crude protein digestibility both increased significantly. Three specific amino acids—arginine, lysine, and threonine—showed notably higher absorption rates in pigs receiving the enzyme.
The mechanism behind these improvements appears to be related to viscosity reduction. When the enzyme was added to the feed, it reduced the thickness of digestive material in the small intestine by 25%. This thinner, less sticky digestive material allowed the pigs’ natural digestive enzymes to work more effectively. The study found that pigs on the enzyme-supplemented diet had higher activity levels of three key digestive enzymes: trypsin, protease, and amylase.
The correlation analysis revealed important relationships: the reduction in viscosity directly correlated with better nutrient absorption, and higher enzyme activity correlated with better protein digestion. This suggests the enzyme works by creating a better environment for digestion rather than replacing the pig’s own digestive processes.
Additionally, the enzyme supplement tended to reduce fecal viscosity (thickness of waste material), suggesting the benefits extended throughout the entire digestive system, not just the small intestine.
Beyond the three amino acids that showed clear improvements, three other amino acids showed promising trends: isoleucine, proline, and tyrosine all had higher absorption rates in the enzyme-supplemented group, though these increases were not quite statistically significant. Organic matter digestibility (a measure of how much plant material is absorbed) also showed a strong trend toward improvement. These secondary findings suggest the enzyme may have broader benefits than just the three amino acids that showed definitive improvements
This research fits into a growing body of evidence showing that enzyme supplements can improve nutrient absorption in pig diets. Previous research has shown that β-mannanase can break down complex carbohydrates in plant-based feeds, particularly in soybean meal. This study adds important new information by showing that the enzyme also improves protein and amino acid absorption, not just carbohydrate digestion. The mechanism identified here—viscosity reduction leading to better enzyme activity—aligns with how these enzymes are thought to work in poultry and other animals. However, most previous enzyme studies used larger sample sizes, so this small study should be viewed as preliminary confirmation of enzyme benefits in young pigs
The most significant limitation is the very small sample size of only five pigs, with only four pigs actually comparing the two diets. Small studies can show results that don’t hold up when tested in larger groups. The study was also relatively short-term, looking only at young pigs during early growth. It’s unclear whether the benefits would continue as pigs grow larger or whether they would apply to different types of feed. The study used only one dose of the enzyme (400 U/kg), so it doesn’t tell us whether higher or lower doses might work better. Additionally, this was a controlled laboratory study with carefully measured conditions; results on actual farms with varying conditions might differ. The study also only measured digestibility in the small intestine; it didn’t track overall growth rates or feed efficiency, which are what farmers ultimately care about
The Bottom Line
For pig farmers: Consider testing β-mannanase supplementation at 400 units per kilogram of feed in soybean-based diets for young pigs. The evidence suggests it could improve nutrient absorption and potentially growth rates, but results should be confirmed on your farm before widespread adoption. Confidence level: Moderate—the mechanism is sound, but the evidence comes from a small study. For feed manufacturers: This enzyme supplement appears safe and effective for improving soybean meal digestibility in pig feed. For researchers: Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings and test different doses and pig ages
Pig farmers and feed manufacturers should pay attention to these findings, particularly those using soybean meal as a primary protein source. The enzyme appears most relevant for young, growing pigs rather than adult pigs. People raising other animals (chickens, cattle, etc.) might find this interesting since similar enzymes have shown benefits in other species, but this study specifically tested pigs. This research would be less relevant for people feeding pigs whole grains or other non-soybean protein sources, as the enzyme specifically targets compounds in soybean meal
If a farmer were to implement this enzyme supplement, improvements in nutrient absorption would likely occur immediately—within the first few days of feeding the supplemented diet. However, visible improvements in pig growth and health would probably take 2-4 weeks to become noticeable, as the pigs would need time to accumulate the benefits of better nutrition. Long-term benefits on overall farm productivity would become clearer over several months of consistent use
Frequently Asked Questions
Does adding β-mannanase enzyme to pig feed actually improve growth?
Research shows the enzyme improves nutrient absorption significantly, particularly for protein and key amino acids. However, this study measured digestibility rather than actual growth rates. Farmers would need to test whether improved nutrient absorption translates to faster growth on their farms
How does β-mannanase enzyme work in pig digestion?
The enzyme reduces the thickness of digestive material in the small intestine by approximately 25%, allowing the pig’s natural digestive enzymes (trypsin, protease, and amylase) to work more effectively. This improved enzyme-nutrient interaction results in better absorption of protein and amino acids
Is β-mannanase safe for pigs to eat?
This study found no adverse effects from the enzyme supplement at the tested dose (400 U/kg feed). The enzyme appears to work naturally with the pig’s digestive system rather than replacing it. However, long-term safety studies in larger pig populations would provide additional reassurance
Would this enzyme work for pigs of all ages?
This study only tested young pigs (about 45 pounds). It’s unclear whether the enzyme would benefit older, larger pigs or whether the optimal dose might differ by age. Farmers would need additional research or farm trials to determine effectiveness across different pig ages
How much does β-mannanase enzyme cost compared to the benefits?
This study didn’t measure economic costs or benefits. Farmers would need to calculate whether improved feed efficiency from the enzyme justifies its cost. The enzyme’s value depends on local feed prices, pig prices, and actual growth improvements on individual farms
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track daily feed intake and weekly weight gain for pigs on enzyme-supplemented feed versus control pigs. Measure the difference in pounds gained per pound of feed consumed (feed efficiency ratio). Target: a 5-10% improvement in feed efficiency
- If using a farm management app, log the date you switch to enzyme-supplemented feed and set reminders to weigh pigs weekly. Create a simple comparison chart showing feed costs versus weight gain improvements to determine if the enzyme supplement is economically worthwhile for your operation
- Over 8-12 weeks, track: (1) average daily gain per pig, (2) total feed consumed per pig, (3) feed conversion ratio (feed needed per pound of growth), and (4) overall herd health observations. Compare these metrics 4 weeks before and 8 weeks after implementing the enzyme supplement to see if real-world results match the research findings
This research describes findings from a small controlled study in young pigs and should not be considered definitive guidance for farm management decisions. The study measured nutrient digestibility in laboratory conditions, not actual growth rates or economic outcomes on commercial farms. Farmers considering enzyme supplementation should consult with their veterinarian or animal nutritionist and conduct their own farm trials before making widespread changes to feeding programs. Results may vary based on pig breed, feed quality, farm conditions, and other management factors. This summary is for informational purposes and does not constitute veterinary or nutritional advice.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.