Some Effects of a Supplementary Cellulase Preparation on Feed Utilization by Ruminants

Abstract

Enzyme 19AP, a fungal cellulase, added to rumen fluid greatly enhanced cellulolytic activity as measured by change in viscosity of sodium carboxymethylcellulose solution. Thirty dairy calves were used to test the effect of the enzyme on feed utilization in a growth, trial. Enzyme 19AP exhibited no effect on feed utilization as measured by average daily gain of calves fed at the same rate. In a digestion trial, eight sheep were given basal diets or autoclaved basal diets with and without 500 mg. of Enzyme 19AP twice daily in two 4 × 4 Latin-square designs. Enzyme 19AP exhibited no effect on apparent digestibility of ration constituents. Destruction of the cellulolytic activity associated with the feed by autoclaving had no effect on the apparent digestibility of cellulose. However, dry matter and protein digestibilities were significantly lowered in the autoclaved diets. © 1960, American Dairy Science Association. All rights reserved.