Microbial pectinases and ruminant nutrition

摘要

Pectinases are widely distributed in higher plants and microorganisms. They are today one of the upcoming enzymes of the commercial sector. It has been estimated that microbial pectinases account for 25% of the global food enzymes sales. Microbial pectinases can be produced from bacteria including actinomycetes, yeast and fungi. Aspergillus niger is the most commonly used fungal species for industrial production of pectinolytic enzymes. Among industrial applications of pectinases are using these enzymes as an animal feed supplementation. This usage of pectinases for ruminant's feed production can reduces the feed viscosity, which increases absorption of nutrients, liberates nutrients, either by hydrolysis of non-biodegradable fibers or by liberating nutrients blocked by these fibers and reduces the amount of faeces. This study deals with types and classification of pectinolytic enzymes, their mode of action, production techniques and the methods of activity assay. Furthermore, it provides a bird's eye view of the possible applications of these enzymes in ruminant nutrition.