Topics:
Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher
Biological Treatments for Roughage
Which of the following is not an example of biological treatment for improving the nutritive value of poor quality roughage:
- Treatment with cellulase enzyme
- Treatment with lactobacillus bacteria — Correct Answer
- Treatment with white-rot fungi
- Treatment with mushrooms
Explanation:
Correct Answer: Treatment with Lactobacillus bacteria
Treatment with Lactobacillus bacteria is NOT a biological treatment for improving the nutritive value of poor-quality roughage like straw. Lactobacillus is used in silage making (as a lactic acid producer) but not for straw treatment. The established biological treatments for roughage use fibre-degrading organisms.
Biological Treatments for Poor-Quality Roughage
| Treatment | Biological Method? | Mechanism |
|---|---|---|
| Cellulase enzyme | Yes ✔ | Breaks β-1,4 glycosidic bonds of cellulose |
| White-rot fungi | Yes ✔ | Degrades lignin (lignolytic activity) → improves cell wall digestibility |
| Mushrooms | Yes ✔ | Lignocellulosic degradation |
| Lactobacillus bacteria | No ✘ | Lactic acid producer used in silage; does NOT improve fibre digestibility of straw |
Complete Roughage Treatment Categories
- Physical: soaking, chopping, grinding, pelleting, irradiation, steam under pressure
- Chemical: Alkali (NaOH, Ca(OH)₂), Ammonia, Acids, Salts, Gases, Oxidising agents
- Physio-chemical: NaOH/Pelleting
- Biological: Cellulase, white-rot fungi, mushrooms
Why Other Options Are Wrong
- Cellulase enzyme → IS a biological treatment; breaks cellulose bonds
- White-rot fungi → IS a biological treatment; degrades lignin
- Mushrooms → IS a biological treatment; lignocellulosic degradation
📚 About this Topic — Animal Nutrition
This multiple choice question is from Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher. It has 4 options with a detailed explanation of the correct answer. Practice more MCQs from Animal Nutrition to strengthen your preparation.
