Isolation and Hydrolytic Enzymes Production Potential of Fungal Isolates from Murrah Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

In present study, 12 anaerobic fungal strains were isolated from the rumen liquor and faecal samples of Murrah buffaloes and identified as species of Anaeromyces sp., Orpinomyces sp. and Neocallimastix sp. based on their morphological characteristics. Three types of fungal colonies were obtained on the agar surface after 72–96 h of incubation. The twelve fungi isolated possessed significantly (P<0.05) higher carboxymethyl cellulase (CMCase), xylanase and avicelase activity compared to control. CMCase, xylanase and avicelase activity was increased by 11.9 to 19.8 units, 12.7 to 26.9 units and 0.5 to 7.4 units respectively when compared to control. p-coumaroyl esterase and p-feruloyl esterase activity of all the fungal isolates were significantly (P?0.05) more compared to control. p-coumaroyl esterase activity was increased from 19.2 (BR3) to 36.4 units (BR9) and feruloyl esterase activity was increased from 99.9 units (BF10) to 136.8 units (BR9) compared to control. Thus it can be suggested that anaerobic rumen fungi are able to secret p-coumaroyl and feruloyl esterase other than the CMCase, xylanase and avicelase, which break down the polyphenolic components of lignin present in the wheat straw. Hence these fungi can be used as direct fed microbials to improve the nutritive value of low grade straws.