Fungal Cellulase Production Optimization and its Utilization in Goat’s Rations Degradation

Abstract

Objective: Fungal cellulase production under the optimum conditions and investigates the impact of the produced cellulase on degradation of goats rations compared with commercial cellulase source. Materials and Methods: Asperigillus niger, Asperigillus flavus, Asperigillus fugimatus, Trichoderma viride and Penicillium chrysogenum were separately grown as stand cultures in 250 mL conical flasks containing 50 mL of cellulose powder medium for screening their ability for cellulase production. In the in vitro trial, degradation of dry matter and organic matter were determined for goats ration. The ration was supplemented separately with locally produced cellulase (Asperozym) and commercial cellulase source (Phytabex plus) at 4 levels (500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 U kgG 1 DM) compared with the control. Results: Asperigillus niger had the highest cellulase activity reached 0.44 U mLG 1 . The maximum production of cellulase by A. niger was achieved at 10% rice straw, inoculum size of 4%, initial pH of growth medium 6.0 and peptone as a nitrogen sources at a concentration of 0.33 g N LG 1 . Increasing the Asperozym and Phytabex plus addition levels up to 1000 U kgG 1 DM gave the maximum (p<0.05) values of dry matter and organic matter degradation. Conclusion: The locally cellulase production for feeding animals may reduce the cost of importation and encourages self-reliance.