International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) has launched Omni-Bos™ PHY, a phytase enzyme developed specifically for dairy cattle to improve nutrient utilization and feed efficiency. The technology is initially being introduced across the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific markets.
IFF says the enzyme is designed to help dairy cows extract greater nutritional value from existing feed ingredients by breaking down phytate, a naturally occurring compound that can bind nutrients and make them less available to animals.
New Approach to Dairy Nutrition
Phytase enzymes have been widely used in poultry and swine production, but their application in dairy cattle has historically been more limited. IFF said traditional phytase products were not specifically developed to withstand the digestive conditions found in ruminants.
Omni-Bos PHY was developed specifically for ruminants and is designed to remain active within the digestive system, helping release nutrients that could otherwise remain inaccessible.
According to IFF, the technology can help dairy producers make better use of protein, phosphorus and minerals already present in feed. This could potentially reduce dependence on supplemental phosphorus and protected amino acids while supporting the use of alternative protein sources.
Focus on Feed Costs and Nutrient Efficiency
Feed is one of the largest operating expenses for dairy producers, making improvements in nutrient utilization increasingly important as farmers seek to manage production costs.
IFF noted that global milk production is projected to grow by approximately 2% annually over the coming decade. Rising production requirements could increase pressure on dairy farmers to improve productivity while managing feed costs and sustainability objectives.
By improving the availability of nutrients already contained in feed, Omni-Bos PHY is intended to help producers obtain more nutritional value from every tonne of feed.
The company also says improved nutrient utilization could contribute to lower nitrogen and phosphorus excretion, supporting efforts to reduce nutrient losses from dairy production.
Study Shows 70% Reduction in Undegraded Phytate
IFF said Omni-Bos PHY has undergone extensive evaluation during its development.
In one study, the enzyme reduced undegraded phytate in the abomasum by approximately 70% compared with a control diet.
Additional studies involving lactating dairy cows were also conducted to assess the enzyme’s ability to improve nutrient utilization and feed efficiency.
The company said the findings collectively demonstrate the potential of the product to help dairy producers maximize the value of existing feed ingredients.
| Omni-Bos PHY | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Product type | Phytase enzyme |
| Target animals | Dairy cattle |
| Initial markets | Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific |
| Key function | Breaks down phytate |
| Nutrients targeted | Protein, phosphorus and minerals |
| Reported phytate reduction | Approximately 70% in one study |
| Application | Concentrates, premixes and total mixed rations |
Supporting Dairy Sustainability
Beyond feed efficiency, IFF positions the technology as part of efforts to improve the sustainability of dairy production.
More efficient nutrient utilization could reduce the need for certain supplemental nutrients and decrease nitrogen and phosphorus losses. The ability to use alternative protein sources could also provide producers with greater flexibility in feed formulation.
However, the reported results come from product-development studies, and the practical benefits will depend on factors such as diet composition, farm management, animal performance and local feed costs.
Initial Launch Across Three Regions
IFF plans to initially introduce Omni-Bos PHY in the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific, regions that include major and growing dairy production markets.
The launch reflects increasing industry interest in technologies that can help dairy producers manage feed costs while improving productivity and environmental performance.
As dairy production expands, technologies that improve the utilization of existing feed nutrients could become an increasingly important component of livestock nutrition strategies.
IFF’s launch therefore adds another option to the growing range of nutritional technologies being developed to help dairy farmers improve feed efficiency and make better use of available resources.
