The effect of enzyme treatment on the in vitro fermentation of lucerne incubated with equine faecal inocula.

The research examines the impact of a fibrolytic enzyme (E1) on the in vitro fermentation process of lucerne (a type of plant) when mixed with horse faecal matter. The outcomes imply that the enzyme can potentially enhance the nutritive value of lucerne for horses when used in high levels.

Overview of Experiments

• The paper describes a series of four experiments aimed at investigating the effects of E1 on lucerne’s in vitro fermentation process when combined with horse feces.
• The first experiment involves the treatment of high-temperature-dried (HT) lucerne with five levels of E1, incubated at 50 degrees Celsius for 20 hours. Following this, the samples undergo a simulated foregut digestion (SFD) treatment and are then ready for dry matter (DM) and non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) analysis.
• In the second experiment, HT lucerne is treated with the same range of E1 levels. The samples are then divided into two categories, based on whether they receive an SFD treatment. Following this, an in vitro fermentation process is performed involving horse fecal matter.
• The third experiment involves fresh and wilted lucerne being treated with the same E1 levels as in the previous experiments, incubated similarly, and then fermented in vitro.
• In the final experiment, a small amount of E1 is used to treat both fresh and wilted lucerne, post which they are fermented.

Key Findings

• The results of the experiments reveal that E1 positively affects DM and NSP losses from high-temperature dried lucerne following the simulated foregut digestion treatment. This positive effect is seen in comparison with the control group.
• This effectiveness is only seen when using high levels of the enzyme. However, no difference in fermentation’s potential magnitude was recorded from the use of high enzyme levels, despite an increased rate.
• A contrasting observation is seen with the use of low E1 levels, whereby it was ineffective in enhancing the fermentation process.
• Additionally, the data reveal that high levels of E1 can potentially augment the nutritional value of lucerne for horses.
• However, while capturing the fermentation kinetics was beneficial, all end-point measurements revealed no impact from the enzyme treatment.