In vitro degradation of cell-wall and digestibility of cereal straws treated with anaerobic ruminal fungi.

Ruminal fungal isolates (Orpinomyces sp.; C-14, Piromyces sp.; C-15, Orpinomyces sp.; B-13 and Anaeromyces sp.; B-6), were evaluated under anoxic conditions for their effect on in vitro dry matter digestibility, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre and acid detergent lignin using rice and wheat straw as substrate. There was no significant effect of the fungal isolates on the disappearance of the substrates along with rumen liquor when compared to control. The doses of 10(6) cfu/ml of the isolate were found to have maximum degradation of straws in comparison to the doses of 10(3) cfu/ml.

Single cell protein: a promising dietary substitute.

Promises and limitations in exploitation of microorganisms for single cell protein (SCP) production have been reviewed. Various aspects discussed include global protein problem, microbes as potential sources of food and feed with its advantages and disadvantages, salient features in selection of microorganisms for SCP production, production of SCP from petroleum based hydrocarbons, renewable raw materials like agricultural and forestry residues, industrial by-products and wastes, nutritional and safety evaluation of SCP, ways of improving SCP production, economics of SCP production and the present status of SCP in India.