Study of Candida ingens grown on the supernatant derived from the anaerobic fermentation of monogastric animal wastes

Abstract

A pellicle-forming yeast, identified as Candida ingens, was found to grow on substrates derived from the anerobic fermentation of monogastric animal wastes. The organism used volatile fatty acids C2 to C6 and ammonia nitrogen. It had a preferential uptake of the acids in increasing order of molecular weight, removing 90% of the total titratable volatile acid. The nonwrinkled pellicle had a doubling time of 3.2 h, and the doubling time of the wrinkled pellicle was 4.2 h. Proximate amino acid and nucleic acid analyses suggested that the organism might be acceptable as a source of single cell protein. Its vitamin B group content compared favorably with that of other yeasts. It contained 6% calcium and 7% phosphorus. It could be useful in removing these minerals from effluents as well as in providing them as nutrients in livestock rations.