ProAct 360

Introduction  

ProAct 360™, developed by DSM-Firmenich, is introduced as a second-generation feed protease designed to reduce production costs and enhance the sustainability of animal production. This product is positioned as a new standard in the protease market, focusing on optimising amino acid digestibility and supporting sustainable practices in animal production.

Key features of ProAct 360™ include its ability to increase amino acid digestibility, reduce costs, mitigate the effects of feed protein variability, and lessen the adverse impacts of soy anti-nutritional factors. The protease is described as a novel molecule with broad specificity, making it effective across a wide range of raw materials. It has been specifically optimised for use in feed production, considering factors such as pH, thermostability, and its complementarity to endogenous proteases and other feed enzymes. This development reflects careful selection and optimisation processes from a vast pool of protease options.

 

Technical specifications of ProAct 360

EU category
Zootechnical additives

Functional group of additives
Digestibility enhancers

Active substance
Serine protease (EC 3.4.21.62)

Enzymatic activity in the product
Protease activity in the product:  600,000 NFP/g

EU approval, minimum content
All poultry species for fattening
All poultry species reared for laying or reared for breeding

30,000 NFP/kg feed

End of period of EU authorisation
26 March 2034

EU code
4a43

Production organism
Bacillus licheniformis (DSM 33099)

Product storage stability

  1. Shelf-Life in Glass Vials:

    • Storage Conditions: ProAct 360 was stored in glass vials sealed with metal caps at temperatures of 10°C, 25°C, and 30°C for up to 19.5 months, and at 40°C for up to 24 months. It was also stored in glass vials with seals simulating the original packaging at 30°C and 65% relative humidity (RH) for up to 24 months.
    • Results: There were no or negligible losses in activity under most conditions. However, one batch stored at 30°C/65% RH showed an 11% loss after 24 months.

Storage stability in premix and feed

  1. Stability in Vitamin-Mineral Premixtures:

    • Storage Conditions: ProAct 360 was added to vitamin-mineral premixtures for chickens at a concentration of 3,000,000 NFP/kg and stored in plastic bags at 25°C for up to 6 months.
    • Results: No or negligible losses were observed after 3 months. After 6 months, losses were up to 14%.

  2. Stability in Mash Feed:

    • Storage Conditions: ProAct 360 was added to mash feed for chickens at 30,000 NFP/kg and stored in plastic bags at 4°C for up to 3 months.
    • Results: Losses were up to 3% after 3 months. When subsamples of the same feed were pelleted at 83°C and stored under the same conditions, losses reached 16% after 3 months.

Heat stability

    • Conditions: Mash feed for chickens with ProAct 360 at 30,000 NFP/kg was subjected to pelleting at 80°C and 90°C.
    • Results: Losses after the pelleting process were 2% in both cases.


Homogeneity

Mash Feed:

    • Study: The capacity for homogeneous distribution of ProAct 360 in mash feed for fattening chickens was studied in 10 subsamples.
    • Results: The coefficient of variation was 13%, indicating the degree of homogeneity in the distribution of the additive.

 

Physical properties

ProAct 360 is characterized by the following physical properties:

  • Appearance: It is an off-white to light brown granulate.
  • Density:
    • Bulk density is 1,000 kg/m³.
    • Tapped density is 1,100 kg/m³.
  • Dusting Potential: When tested using the Heubach method, the mean dusting potential across three batches was 25 mg/m³, with a range of 21 to 30 mg/m³.
  • Particle Size Distribution: Analyzed by laser diffraction, approximately 80% of the particles have a diameter between 150 and 850 micrometers (µm), and there are no particles smaller than 150 micrometers (µm).


Carrier

ProAct 360 is a coated granulated product composed of the following ingredients:

  • Protease: Makes up 12% by weight of the total organic solids.
  • Carriers:
    • Sodium sulfate: 45%
    • Dextrin: 7%
    • Cellulose: 6%
  • Coating Agents:
    • Calcium carbonate: 17%
    • Hydrogenated palm oil: 8%
    • Magnesium sulfate: 4%
  • Water Content: Less than or equal to 1%.

Handling
The European Commission states: "For users of the additive and premixtures, feed business operators shall establish operational procedures and organisational measures to address potential risks by inhalation, dermal contact or eyes contact. Where those risks cannot be eliminated or reduced to a minimum by such procedures and measures, the additive and premixtures shall be used with personal protective equipment, including eyes, skin and breathing protection."

Manufacturer

DSM/Novonesis

List of references

EFSA (2023). Safety and efficacy of the feed additive consisting of protease produced by Bacillus licheniformis DSM 33099 (ProAct 360) for use in poultry species for fattening or reared for laying/breeding (DSM Nutritional Products Ltd).

EU (2024). COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2024/778 of 5 March 2024 concerning the authorisation of a preparation of protease produced by Bacillus licheniformis DSM 33099 as a feed additive for all poultry species for fattening, reared for laying and reared for breeding (holder of authorisation: DSM Nutritional Products Ltd). Official Journal of the European Union, http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2024/778/oj