ENZYMIC DEGRADATION OF WHEAT BRAN TO IMPROVE ITS NUTRITIONAL VALUE FOR MONOGASTRICS

Abstract

The enzymic degradation of wheat bran using cellulolytic and proteolytic enzymes from a number of sources was investigated. Two enzyme combinations were found to be effective for the chemical alteration of wheat bran. Crude enzyme preparation from the fungus T. viride in combination with a commercial proteinase brought about a 32% reducing sugar accumulation, a 36% loss of holocellulose, a 40% loss of α-cellulose and a, 54% solubilization of protein. Crude enzyme preparation from the fungus M. verrucaria in combination with a commercial proteinase gave rise to a 27% reducing sugar accumulation, a 39% loss of holocellulose, a 22% loss of α-cellulose and 50% solubilization of protein. The nutritional value for the rat of wheat bran modified by either enzyme combination was significantly improved. Apparent protein digestibility was improved significantly. Preliminary experiments indicate that the modification of wheat bran increases the metabolizable energy.