Effects of live Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells on zoospore germination, growth, and cellulolytic activity of the rumen anaerobic fungus, Neocallimastix frontalis MCH3.

The effects of a live yeast strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae have been investigated on zoospore germination, metabolism, and cellulolytic activity of the anaerobic rumen fungus Neocallimastix frontalis MCH3. The addition of yeast cells to a vitamin-deficient medium stimulated the germination of fungal zoospores, increased cellulose degradation and hydrogen, formate, lactate, and acetate production. Responses depended on the concentration of yeast cells added and on their viability. Yeast supplementation provided vitamins such as thiamine, which is essential for fungal growth and activity. These results demonstrate that yeasts could enhance plant cell wall colonization by N. frontalis. With certain diets, yeasts could therefore be a good tool to optimize the microbial degradation of lignocellulosic materials, but more research is needed to understand their mechanisms of action, so that they can be used with maximum efficiency as feed supplements.