Protease-mediated optimization of low-protein diets: Mechanistic insights into amino acid efficiency and gut function in poultry

Abstract

Interest in nutritional techniques that enhance nutrient absorption while lowering environmental effects has increased due to the growing demand for sustainable poultry production. Low-protein diets (LPDs) have drawn a lot of interest as a way to reduce nitrogen excretion and feed costs without sacrificing productivity. Reducing dietary crude protein levels, however, may restrict the availability of amino acids, hinder the use of nutrients, and, if improperly balanced, have detrimental effects on gastrointestinal function. In this regard, exogenous proteases have become important feed enzymes that can improve the efficiency of amino acid consumption in chickens and improve protein digestion. With a focus on the processes underpinning enhanced amino acid efficiency and gastrointestinal function, this study highlights the state of the art addressing the role of protease supplementation in enhancing low-protein diets. By improving the digestion of dietary proteins, proteases decrease the transit of undigested protein to the lower gastrointestinal tract and increase the release and absorption of amino acids. Better nitrogen retention, increased nutritional digestibility, and more effective feed use are all facilitated by these benefits. Additionally, by promoting villus formation, preserving barrier integrity, and regulating microbial activity within the gut ecosystem, protease supplementation affects intestinal physiology. These reactions encourage a better intestinal environment for the absorption of nutrients and the general health of the digestive system. Recent research shows that adding exogenous proteases to low-protein feeding programs can maintain growth performance and production efficiency while lowering ammonia emissions and nitrogen losses. When taken as a whole, these results demonstrate the potential of proteases as a key element of precision nutrition techniques meant to enhance the sustainability of chicken production from an economic and environmental standpoint. Future studies should concentrate on improving the use of enzymes through developments in microbiome science, digestive physiology, and precision feed formulation.