Effects of fungal enzyme preparations on hydrolysis and subsequent degradation of alfalfa hay fiber by mixed rumen microorganisms in vitro

• Published in: Animal feed science and technology 2000-12, Vol.88 (3), p.153-170
• Main Authors: Nsereko, V.L, Morgavi, D.P, Rode, L.M, Beauchemin, K.A, McAllister, T.A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agricultural sciences; Alfalfa; Animal production studies; Animal productions; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Biological and medical sciences; Esterases; Fibrolytic enzymes; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Life Sciences; Microbial ecology; Normal microflora of man and animals. Rumen; Terrestrial animal productions; Vertebrates; Xylanase
• ISSN: 0377-8401; 1873-2216
• DOI: 10.1016/S0377-8401(00)00225-X

An in vitro study was conducted to investigate mechanisms by which fibrolytic enzymes improve fiber degradation in ruminants. Alfalfa hay was pre-treated with fibrolytic enzymes (Depol 40, Sumizyme X, Liquicell 2500, an experimental preparation and Multifect xylanase; DP, SX, LQ, PB and MX, respectively), diluted in buffer (pH 6.5), or with buffer alone (control) at 39°C, without (0 h pre-treatment) or with a 2 h incubation (2 h pre-treatment). The hay was then autoclaved to denature enzymic activities and washed extensively to remove hydrolysis products. The solid residue was dried and incubated with mixed rumen microorganisms for 12 and 48 h. The 0 h pre-treatment with MX, PB and SX increased NDF degradation at 48 h ( P