Improving pig health and performance is a priority for all producers and one area gaining increasing attention is the impact of beta-mannans in feed. A recent global trial has confirmed the effectiveness of including a beta-mannanase enzyme, Hemicell™, in pig diets to counteract the negative impacts of beta-mannans[1] .
But what exactly are beta-mannans, how can they be tackled and how can using a beta-mannan calculator help producers assess their impact?
Why are beta-mannans a problem?
Beta-mannans are naturally occurring carbohydrates found in several feed ingredients commonly included in pig diets such as cereals and soybean meal. Their structure is similar to the sugar present in the bacterial walls of E. coli so when pigs consume feed with high levels of beta-mannans, their immune system mistakenly thinks it is under attack.
This results in an unnecessary immune response known as FIIR (Feed-Induced Immune Response). While no actual infection is present, energy and nutrients are diverted towards supporting immune function rather than growth[2].
In addition, this immune activation can impair gut health and feed efficiency, ultimately reducing pig growth and performance[2].
How does beta-mannanase work?
Beta-mannanase, the enzyme in Hemicell, breaks down beta-mannans into smaller, simpler sugars called mannan oligosaccharides. By breaking down these indigestible sugars, Hemicell removes the immune response triggered by beta-mannans, preventing unnecessary energy expenditure and inflammation[2].
Using beta-mannanase leads to:
- Better nutrient absorption[2]
- Improved gut health[2]
- More efficient growth[2]
- Increased feed utilisation[2]
How does Hemicell improve pig health and performance?
The impact of feeding Hemicell was tested in a global study involving thousands of pig farms[3]. The study aimed to determine the enzyme’s effectiveness in improving Intestinal Integrity and removing the immune response caused by beta-mannans.
The trial analysed five key biomarkers in pig faecal samples to assess Intestinal Integrity:
- Calprotectin – Indicates intestinal inflammation, including immune-related inflammation. Hemicell reduced elevated levels, suggesting lower inflammation
- Zonulin – Measures tight junctions in the gut lining. Hemicell helped stabilise zonulin, supporting gut health
- Occludin – Similar to zonulin, occludin tracks tight junctions in the gut. This was maintained when pigs were fed Hemicell, helping stabilise gut integrity
- Gamma Interferon – Monitors immune response to infection and inflammation. Hemicell reduced unnecessary immune activation from beta-mannans, enhancing immune efficiency
- TGF-beta – Regulates immune responses and inflammation. Hemicell balanced TGF-beta levels, reducing inflammation and promoting a healthier immune system
The biomarker study supports a wider body of research demonstrating that Hemicell can help regulate a pig’s immune responses and support overall gut health, offering a valuable solution to remove the negative effects of beta-mannans in their feed.
How do you know the level of beta-mannans in your rations?
If you’re a pig producer or nutritionist looking to optimise your feed strategy, use this beta-mannan calculator to discover the levels in your feed.
It only takes a minimal amount of beta-mannans (0.20%) to trigger FIIR and with beta-mannans present in most vegetables, they are likely to be negatively impacting performance in a high proportion of pig units.
The feed calculator helps assess the level of beta-mannans in pig feed and calculate the appropriate inclusion rate of Hemicell. By understanding these requirements, feeding programmes can be tailored to maximise growth rates and improve overall herd performance.
Can Hemicell be fed throughout the production cycle?
The trial showed that continuing to feed Hemicell throughout the production cycle resulted in lasting health improvements. In fact, some farms were able to reduce the energy content of their feed and still achieve the same performance, due to the reduced energy expenditure on unnecessary immune responses.
As producers and processors face increasing pressure to meet carbon emission reduction targets, incorporating Hemicell into pig diets has also been shown to help lower carbon footprints.
A lifecycle assessment (LCA) demonstrated that including the enzyme in pig feed allowed up to 55 kcal/kg ME to be removed from the diet, resulting in a reduction in carbon footprint of up to 4.2%[4].
[1] Elanco DOF Customer Survey Hemicell FVE Swine 2025. REF-27883
[2] Hemicell XT FAQ.2021
[3] Elanco DOF Customer Survey Hemicell FVE Swine 2025. REF-27883
[4] Blonk consultants. (2023) A lifecycle assessment (LCA) of both Hemicell production and the comparative performance of feeds containing it. Data available upon request. Int ref no. 23491