Cellulose Digestibility of Fibrous Materials Treated With Trichoderma Viride Cellulase

Abstract

Cellulose digestibility of corn silage, ensiled with four percents (0, .05, .10, and .20% on a dry matter basis) of fungal cellulase, enzyme no. EC 3.2.1.4. of Trichoderma viride, was studied by the nylon bag technique with six rumenfistulated cows. After 1 yr in the silo, cellulose content of the eellulase treated forages was lower than that of the untreated materials. Cellulase activity of the silage, at the time of feeding, as measured by "filter paper activity", coincided closely with treatments. The pH of ensiled forage varied inversely with cellulase treatment, indicating increased fermentation of carbohydrates at higher enzyme, apparently resulting from some breakdown of cellulose in the silo. Coefficients of cellulose digestibility for cows receiving a corn silage ration were 48 to 51% compared to only 12 to 24% for animals consuming sericea lespedeza hay.