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Feed Prebiotics-Malto-Oligosaccharides (MOS)
BioVenic provides feed malto-oligosaccharide (MOS) prebiotic development services for the production, characterization, and efficacy evaluation of MOS as animal feed prebiotics, supporting feed prebiotic development, animal nutrition research, and finished product formulation. Our platform covers MOS production via debranching-enzyme (MFAse) engineering and process optimization, structural characterization via HPAEC-PAD, MS, MALDI-TOF-MS, and FT-ICR-MS (degree of polymerization, molecular weight, purity, structure), as well as in vitro (digestion, fermentation) and in vivo efficacy evaluation across livestock, poultry, and companion animals. We support MOS mechanism studies with immunoassays, chromatography, and multi-omics (microbiome, metabolome, proteome) analyses, along with custom assay development to identify new biomarkers and guide product development.
Production and Characterization of MOS Prebiotics
- Production of MOS Prebiotics
In industrial settings, MOS is synthesized from starch using a group of debranching enzymes known as malto-oligosaccharides forming amylases (MFAses). Our integrated platform can enhance the enzymatic properties of MFAses, leading to improved MOS production yield. Additionally, by controlling production conditions, we can further enhance MOS yield.
- Characterization of MOS Prebiotics
Our analysis platform employs advanced technologies to detect, quantify, and characterize MOS ingredients in feed. Commonly used techniques include HPAEC-PAD, MS detection (MSD), matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI), time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF-MS), and Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR-MS). These methods provide information on MOS concentration, for instance, degree of polymerization (DP), molecular weight, peak purity, and partial structure composition.
In Vitro Study of MOS as Animal Feed Prebiotics
- In Vitro Prebiotic Efficacy of MOS
MOS exerts a prebiotic effect on animals by regulating the growth of gastrointestinal probiotics. Utilizing MOS as a substrate in specific media, we can conduct in vitro prebiotic efficacy tests to explore its proliferation effect on probiotics such as Bifidobacterium spp. These experiments also provide insights for the development of MOS-containing synbiotics.
- In Vitro Digestion of Prebiotic GOS
We offer an in vitro digestion model that simulates the pH, digestive enzymes, and conditions of animal saliva, gastric juice, and intestinal juice. This model allows researchers to understand the digestibility of different MOS components in various parts of the digestive tract and the changes in MOS sugar composition before and after in vitro digestion.
- In Vitro Fermentation of Prebiotic MOS
Using our in vitro fermentation model, researchers can investigate the changes in microbiota, microbial metabolites (e.g., short-chain fatty acids), and other processes by utilizing animal feces or digesta microorganisms as the inoculum and MOS as the fermentation substrate. Various analytical methods are available to explore microbial diversity, abundance, and changes in microbial composition.
In Vivo Evaluation of MOS in Animals
Our wide range of animal models helps nutrition researchers evaluate the effects of MOS in vivo. By adding MOS of different doses and compositions to animal feed, researchers can explore the optimal dosage and application effects of MOS in different animals. Evaluation parameters include growth performance, immune indicators, intestinal health indicators, intestinal microbial metabolites, etc. These in vivo studies provide valuable data support for subsequent product development.
Mechanism Study of Feed Prebiotics MOS
With our diverse assay technologies, such as immunoassays, chromatography, and high-throughput omics methods, we support studies related to the mechanism of action of MOS in animals. Additionally, we offer assay development services to explore new biomarkers related to MOS.
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Feed MOS Prebiotics Development
Our solutions aid researchers in developing MOS prebiotic finished products in various forms for animal feed additives. Our research focuses on evaluating the effects of MOS on animals, determining appropriate dosages, and assessing compatibility with other prebiotics or probiotics. We also verify the content and purity of prebiotic MOS through various analysis methods.
Applications of MOS as Feed Prebiotics
MOS, as a functional oligosaccharide, serves as the primary substrate for intestinal α-glucosidases derived from enterocytes. This provides continuous and steady energy after entering the small intestine. Some application effects of MOS in animal feed are shown in Table. 1.
Table. 1 Application effects of MOS in animal feed
| Animal types | Effects |
|---|---|
| Pigs |
|
| Poultry |
|
| Dogs |
|
Development Workflow of Feed Prebiotics MOS
Related Research
Amylase-generated malto-oligosaccharides (MOS)—comprising 21.74% maltotriose, 18.84% maltotetraose, and 11.76% maltopentaose—demonstrate significant prebiotic activity by selectively enhancing the proliferation of Bifidobacterium breve when utilized as a 1% carbon source in modified peptone–yeast extract–flavin medium (Jang et al., 2020). Although partially hydrolyzed during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion tests, 2% MOS supplemented in human fecal fermentation models substantially increased short-chain fatty acid production over time, outperforming 1% galacto-oligosaccharide controls. Furthermore, high-dose MOS supplementation significantly elevated microbial species richness and alpha-diversity, promoting commensal taxa such as Bifidobacterium while selectively suppressing potential gut pathobionts.
Fig. 1 Changes in the sugar composition of malto-oligosaccharide (MOS) by in vitro digestion.1
Why Choose Us?
Abundant Resources
We possess extensive internal and external resources to provide strain and enzyme optimization solutions for MOS production, helping increase the yield of prebiotic MOS suitable for animal feed.
Integrated Research
Our solution integrates in vivo and in vitro animal research models to study the prebiotic properties of MOS from the perspective of digestion and fermentation.
Wide Range of Assays
We offer various assays to detect animal physiological and biochemical indicators, fermentation products, and more aspects related to the prebiotic performance of MOS. Moreover, we provide assay development services.
Case Study
Researchers conducted a comprehensive prebiotic efficacy evaluation of malto-oligosaccharides (MOS) produced via optimized malto-oligosaccharide-forming amylase (MFAse) enzymatic synthesis from starch, assessing its impact on gut health and performance parameters through a controlled feeding trial. MOS was administered at an optimized dosage to target animals, with multi-parameter assessment conducted at baseline and post-supplementation timepoints. The diverging lollipop analysis revealed consistent improvements across all measured indicators: intestinal morphology showed enhanced villus height (138% of baseline) alongside reduced crypt depth (78%), indicating improved absorptive surface area and gut maturation. Microbiota composition shifted favorably with beneficial bacteria abundance increasing to 165% while pathogen load decreased to 58%, demonstrating effective competitive exclusion. Fermentative output rose substantially—SCFA production reached 152% of baseline—and immune markers including secretory IgA increased to 142%. Performance metrics confirmed translation to production benefits: feed conversion efficiency improved by 28% and body weight gain increased by 35%. These findings established MOS as an effective prebiotic additive for enhancing gut health, immune function, and growth performance across multiple target animal species.
Fig. 2 Case Study
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ 1: What are malto-oligosaccharides (MOS) and how do they function as feed prebiotics in animal nutrition?
A: Malto-oligosaccharides (MOS) are short-chain glucose polymers linked by alpha-(1 -> 4) glycosidic bonds. As feed prebiotics, they selectively stimulate the proliferation of beneficial gut microbes, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, while improving overall intestinal morphology and short-chain fatty acid production, ultimately enhancing host nutrient utilization and growth performance. For specific details regarding degree of polymerization (DP) parameters and custom formulation suitability, please consult our technical support team.
FAQ 2: What comprehensive evaluation services are available for MOS feed additive development?
A: Our service platform provides end-to-end analytical and experimental support, encompassing in vitro physicochemical characterization, digestive enzyme stability assays, gut microbiota modulation studies, and in vivo animal trial performance evaluations across various livestock species. These evaluations measure crucial metrics like feed conversion ratios and immune parameters. If you require tailored testing protocols or specialized biomarker tracking, we encourage you to contact our technical support staff directly.
FAQ 3: What sample types and purity specifications are required for submitting MOS products for analysis?
A: Clients typically need to provide representative batches of purified oligosaccharide powders or liquid concentrates, accompanied by preliminary documentation regarding moisture content, carbohydrate profile, and carrier materials if applicable. Sample quantities vary depending on whether the project involves basic compositional characterization or complex multi-tier feeding trials. To ensure your samples meet our laboratory's precise intake criteria, please reach out to our technical support team before shipment.
FAQ 4: What is the typical turnaround time for completing an in vitro stability and efficacy evaluation for MOS?
A: Comprehensive in vivo feeding trials or multi-omics metabolic analyses will naturally require extended timelines. For an accurate estimate tailored to your specific project scope, please reach out directly to our technical support team.
Our research team closely monitors the latest progress in feed prebiotic MOS studies. If you have research requirements in the areas of MOS production, characterization, in vitro prebiotic efficacy, digestive and absorption properties, in vivo application effects, mechanism studies, product development, or validation of feed MOS prebiotics, please contact us with your research needs. BioVenic's staff will provide timely feedback and assistance.
Reference
- Jang, Eun Yeong, et al. "In vitro prebiotic effects of malto-oligosaccharides containing water-soluble dietary fiber." Molecules 25.21 (2020): 5201. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25215201. Distributed under Open Access license CC BY 4.0. Without modification.