The in vitro catalytic activity of a lipase was assessed in different conditions of temperature (simulating that of pelleted ration manufacturing), pH (gastric acidity), and its stability in the presence of metallic and mineral ions. To assess the thermal stability, the enzyme was incubated for 0, 5, 10 or 15 minutes at 80ºC. The effect of pH was studied by submitting the lipase to pH values of 7.3, 2.0, 3.2 or 5.0. In order to evaluate the catalytic activity in the presence of metallic and mineral ions, the enzyme was incubated in solutions containing calcium, copper, cobalt, manganese and iron. In the above mentioned conditions, the lipase partially preserved its activity, but, could not be considered an ideal enzyme due to its inhibition by the acidic pH and the ionic solutions tested.
activity; lipase; ions; pH; temperature
