IFF has launched Omni-Bos™ PHY, a phytase enzyme specifically developed for dairy cattle to improve nutrient utilization and feed efficiency. The technology is designed to help dairy cows extract greater nutritional value from nutrients already present in feed, with the initial launch planned for the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific regions.
Phytate, a naturally occurring compound found in many feed ingredients, can bind nutrients and reduce their availability to animals. While phytase technology has been widely used in poultry and swine nutrition, IFF said its effectiveness in dairy cattle has historically been more limited because conventional enzymes were not designed for the digestive conditions of ruminants.
According to IFF, Omni-Bos PHY is specifically developed for ruminants and is designed to remain active in the abomasum, where it breaks down phytate and releases nutrients that can otherwise remain unavailable for absorption.
The company said the technology can help dairy cattle utilize more of the protein, phosphorus, calcium, amino acids and other minerals already present in feed. This could reduce reliance on supplemental phosphorus and protected amino acids while supporting the use of alternative protein sources.
IFF said the enzyme is suitable for use in concentrates, premixes and total mixed rations and was evaluated through extensive product-development studies. In one study cited by the company, Omni-Bos PHY reduced undegraded phytate in the abomasum by approximately 70% compared with a control diet.
Additional studies in lactating dairy cows, according to IFF, showed improved phosphorus and phytate digestibility, reduced nitrogen and phosphorus excretion, and increased digestibility of nutrients including crude protein and calcium.
The launch comes as feed efficiency becomes increasingly important for dairy producers. IFF noted that global milk production is projected to grow by 2% annually over the coming decade, while feed remains one of the largest expenses in dairy production. Improving nutrient utilization therefore represents an opportunity to increase the value obtained from every unit of feed.
IFF also positions Omni-Bos PHY as a tool for sustainability, arguing that improved nutrient utilization can help reduce nutrient losses, including nitrogen and phosphorus excretion, while potentially lowering feed costs.
The company said its research challenged the assumption that dairy cows fully utilize phytate contained in feed and found that phytate breakdown can remain incomplete under modern feeding conditions. Omni-Bos PHY was developed to address this nutrient-availability gap in ruminant diets.
With its initial commercial rollout targeting the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific, the launch adds another enzyme-based approach to the growing focus on feed efficiency, nutrient utilization and sustainability in dairy production.
Source: Dairynews7x7 18 Sep, 2026 Read full story here
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