Abstract: The invention describes a process for the continuous production of enzyme granules characterised in that:(h) a liquid enzyme preparation containing one or more enzymes is produced(i) optionally additives are added to the liquid enzyme preparation obtained in (a)(j) one or more liquid enzyme preparations obtained in (a) or (b) are sprayed into a fluidised bed by means of spray nozzles(k) fine material that escapes from the fluid bed with the off-gas is separated off and returned to the fluidised bed as nuclei for the granule formation(l) granules of a predetermined size are formed by adjusting the sifting gas stream(m) the finished granules are discharged via one or more countercurrent gravity sifters installed in the inflow plate of the fluidised bed apparatus(n) optionally the enzyme granules obtained in step (f) are coated. The invention further provides enzyme granules characterised by an isotropic structure, a spherical shape and smooth surface as expressed by a roundness factor between 1 and 1.

Abstract: Enzyme-containing granules for manufacturing animal feed compositions are prepared using a carrier containing at least about 15% (w/w) carbohydrate such as starch and less than 5% (w/w) protein. A mixture is formed containing an enzyme, the carrier and water, with or without prior kneading to improve plasticity, the mixture is mechanically processed such as by extrusion with a basket or dome extruder while not allowing the temperature of the mixture to rise above about 40° C., and drying the resultant enzyme-containing granules. The granules may be spheronised prior to drying, and drying may be in a fluid bed agglomerator. The water and enzyme may be provided as an enzyme-containing aqueous liquid such as an enzyme-containing filtrate from a fermentation process. Enzymes include phytase, endo-xylanase and &bgr;-glucanase. Other components that may be in the granules include divalent cations, cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol and an edible oil.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for preparing aqueous phytase-containing liquids involving culturing microorganisms of the genus Aspergillus or Trichoderma in a medium containing assimilable carbon and nitrogen sources (e.g., glucose and ammonium ions), filtering the medium, and subjecting the resulting filtrate to ultra-filtration to give an aqueous composition having at least 14,000 FTU/g. This aqueous liquid optimally can be used to prepare granulates that can be incorporated in animal feedstuffs.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods to improve the processing and storage stability of dry enzyme preparations. To this extent an inorganic salt, e.g. MgSO.sub.4, is dissolved in an enzyme containing solution which is subsequently dried, using e.g. spray drying. Not only does the addition of salt improve the yield of enzyme activity upon drying, also the storage and processing stability of the obtained solid composition containing the enzyme and the inorganic salt are improved with respect to enzyme activity. The invention further discloses solid compositions comprising enzymes and inorganic salts. Preferably the enzymes comprise phytase, protease, hemicellulase, cellulase, and mixtures thereof, and the inorganic salts are divalent cations comprising zinc, magnesium, or calcium. The concentration of the inorganic salt is at least 5%, preferably at least 15%, more preferably at least 30%, still more preferably at least 60%, and most preferably at least 90% (w/w).