Enzymes are proteins that assist chemical reactions in the body. Although livestock's gut microflora produce some enzymes, they do not all the enzymes in sufficient quantities to hydrolyze NSP, proteins or phytates to enable absorption of all nutrients. Enzyme supplementation improves the quality of feedstuffs and livestock, resulting in higher profit margins. Enzyme addition helps to produce more meat per animal at a much lower cost while improving the overall long-term health of the herd. Vet costs and mortality rates also decline with the use of enzyme supplements in animal feed. Enzymes come from a variety of natural sources, including plant extracts, animals, and microorganisms. Enzymes are widely used by the agricultural, brewing, biofuel, dairy, and rubber industries to boost production and minimize costs.

The cost of providing animal feed to livestock and poultry accounts for 60-70 percent of the total outlay of running a livestock or poultry business. Reducing this expense has been the goal for generations of farmers. Use of enzymes in animal feed make this goal a reality, and modern farmers have achieved phenomenal gains in the efficient and economical production of livestock. The use of enzymes in farm animal nutrition has been an important part of achieving this success while maximizing the health of the animals and minimizing the impact on the environment.

Protease is the general term for a class of enzymes that hydrolyze protein peptide bonds. According to the way it hydrolyzes peptides, it can be divided into two categories and multiple sub-categories.