Effect of a Fibrolytic Enzymatic Extract from Cellulomonas flavigena on In Vitro Degradation and In Vivo Digestibility and Productive Performance of Lambs

Abstract

An enzymatic extract from Cellulomonas flavigena was evaluated at 0, 2.5, 7.5, 12.5 mL/kg DM of total mixed ration (TMR) on the in vitro degradation of DM, NDF and ADF and in vivo at 0, 5.0 and 7.5 mL of extract per kg DM of TMR to determine the digestibility and productive performance of lambs fed a TMR made up of 60% forage. Twenty four Pelibuey-Kathadin lambs were used in the trial. The in vitro degradation of ADF showed a linear (P<0.05) response from 6 to 72 h. There was no effect on DM intake, daily gain or feed conversion. The enzymatic dose tended to linearly decrease the apparent digestibility of DM (P=0.06), NDF (P=0.10) and ADF (P=0.06). The N-NH3 concentration showed a linear decrease (P=0.002) and total VFA concentration was linearly (P<0.001) increased. The incorporation of extract of Cellulomonas flavigena in the diet increased in vitro degradation of cellulose in terms of ADF but did not increase the digestion or productive performance of lambs.