Influence of individual or mixed cellulase and xylanase mixture on in vitro rumen gas production kinetics of total mixed rations with different maize silage and concentrate ratios

Abstract

Cellulase, xylanase, and β-D glucanase enzymes are specific for the breaking of internal β-1,4 linkages of cellulose, hemicellulose (xylan), and glucans to release soluble sugars and facilitate the growth of microbes, thereby increasing the in vitro dry matter (DM) digestibility (8). Morgavi et al. (7) demonstrated the synergism between exogenous and endogenous rumen enzymes such that the net combined hydrolytic effect in the rumen was much higher than that estimated from individual enzyme activities. Exogenous enzymes may be applied during ensiling or directly fed to animals during feeding (1). Enzyme application during ensiling gives an economical benefit to farmers by increasing the feed intake (i.e. palatability) and digestion rate (1,9). Direct addition of enzymes to animal feeds just before feeding is much easier and more applicable in terms of agronomic practices.