Indian Journal of Small Ruminants (The)

The present study aims isolation and characterization of cellulolytic bacteria from faecal samples of sheep grazing in semi-arid regions of Rajasthan (India). A total of 140 bacteria were isolated from faecal samples of 30 sheep and 18 probable cellulolytic bacteria were screened on the basis of Congo Red test. The isolates were further subjected to biochemical characterization, various cellulolytic enzymes were quantified and molecular identification was done by 16S rDNA sequencing. Isolate Msf16 showed highest endoglucanase (5.55 U/mL) and Fpase activity (7.27 U/mL), while isolate Msf3 showed highest exoglucanase activity (6.56 U/mL). Phylogenetically, all isolates belonged to Firmicutes phylum and within the phylum, 78% isolates belonged to Clostridia, while 22% belonged to Tissierellia group which have not been previously characterised for cellulolytic activity in sheep. Hence, the present findings showed the presence of bacterial isolates having wide range of hydrolytic enzymes which can be used as a biological treatment for efficient utilization of agricultural waste residues to produce biofuels and other value-added products.