IFF Launches Ruminant-Specific Phytase for Dairy Cattle in Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific

IFF has launched Omni-Bos™ PHY, a phytase enzyme developed specifically for dairy cattle, with initial rollouts planned across the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific, according to a report published by Feed Business Middle East & Africa on 18 September 2026.

Phytate, a naturally occurring compound in plant-based feed ingredients, can bind phosphorus, protein, amino acids and minerals, limiting their availability to animals. While phytase has been widely used in poultry and swine nutrition, IFF said its effectiveness in dairy cattle has historically been limited because conventional enzymes were not designed for the digestive conditions of ruminants.

Omni-Bos™ PHY is designed to remain active in the abomasum, where its activity can further break down phytate that has not been fully degraded in the rumen, with the aim of increasing the availability of phytate-bound nutrients for absorption. IFF said one study found that the enzyme reduced undegraded phytate in the abomasum by approximately 70% compared with a control diet. Additional studies in lactating dairy cows reported improvements in phosphorus and phytate digestibility, crude protein and calcium digestibility, as well as reductions in nitrogen and phosphorus excretion.

IFF said the technology could help producers reduce reliance on supplemental phosphorus and protected amino acids while supporting lower feed costs and nutrient losses. The enzyme can be incorporated into concentrates, premixes and total mixed rations.

"Traditional phytase enzymes were not designed to withstand the unique digestive conditions of dairy cattle," said Ester Vinyeta, Innovation Director, Animal Nutrition & Health at IFF Health & Biosciences.

Regina Cortada, Vice President, Animal Nutrition & Health at IFF Health & Biosciences, said the company's research challenged the assumption that dairy cows fully utilise phytate in feed and found that its breakdown can be incomplete.

IFF said global milk production is projected to grow by 2% annually over the coming decade, increasing the focus on nutrient efficiency. The company said the technology is intended to help producers extract more nutritional value from each tonne of feed while improving nutrient-use efficiency and supporting sustainability objectives.