The data also highlights the start of a fundamental shift in phytase use following the 2012 launch of phytase superdosing, in which high doses of an optimised phytase are used to eliminate the anti-nutrient effects of in-feed phytate.

In just two years, superdosing has grown rapidly to account for an estimated seven per cent of the phytase market by value.

The figures come from a comprehensive market research study carried out during 2014 to investigate the emerging trends within the phytase market. Initiated by AB Vista, the research covered over 650 integrators and feed compounders from the top 50 monogastric feed-producing countries globally.

“With feed accounting for up to 70 per cent of pig and poultry variable production costs, and rising pressure on global feed supplies resulting in considerable price volatility, it is no surprise that producers are increasingly turning to new technology for solutions,” states Richard Cooper, AB Vista’s Managing Director.

“Three of the top five global monogastric feed producers are now adopting the concept of superdosing as a direct result of the additional value it has been proven to deliver.”

Introduced by AB Vista in 2012, and backed by positive results from over 50 university and commercial trials across the globe, superdosing takes phytase use beyond simple nutrient release through application of an optimised phytase at three times the standard dose to destroy the majority of the phytate anti-nutrient found in feed.

With the typical three- to four-point improvement in broiler feed conversion from superdosing worth around €6 per tonne of feed, and corresponding gains in layers as well as nursery, grower and finisher pigs, Mr Cooper estimates the anti-nutrient effects of phytate could be costing the industry as much as €2 billion per annum in lost performance.

“Overall phytase market penetration has risen just two per cent in the last two years,” he states.

“Yet within this market there is a dramatic change in focus taking place. The market research has shown that superdosing is now becoming standard practice across many countries, particularly in the Americas, and growth is expected to continue accelerating across all regions and sectors. Latest estimates suggest that superdosing could account for over 30 per cent of all tonnes treated with phytase globally by 2019.”

Analysis of the data shows that North and Latin America are leading the way, with roughly 47 per cent and 35 per cent (respectively) of the superdosing market by volume compared to just 25 per cent and 12 per cent of the total phytase market. On a country-by-country basis, the largest volume of feed is superdosed by the US and Brazil (estimated total of 18 million tonnes), with Thailand ranking third globally and the biggest superdosing country in ASPAC.

“Although the figures are impressive given the short time since superdosing was introduced, they also highlight just how many pig and poultry producers are yet to take action to counter performance lost to phytate anti-nutrient effects,” Mr Cooper continues.

“However, much will depend on how quickly each sector adopts this innovative approach to phytase use. We fully expect the EU market, for example, to follow other regions in trending towards superdosing to capitalise on the formulation cost and animal performance benefits delivered by the latest generation superdosing-optimised phytases.”

Such phytases, which have been developed specifically to maximise phytate degradation and continue working at much lower phytate concentrations than standard commercial phytases, have been critical to the growth in superdosing, highlights Mr Cooper. AB Vista’s own Quantum Blue phytase, for example, has been shown to deliver an estimated 6:1 return on investment when superdosing.

“Future growth will also depend on the extent to which the additional welfare and sustainability benefits of superdosing are seen as important in different sectors, regions and countries,” he adds.

“What is clear, however, is that superdosing with an optimised phytase is here to stay, and will continue to expand rapidly. It looks highly likely to become the new industry standard and a key tool for producers to improve productivity,” Mr Cooper added.

March 2015