Screening the Rumen of Balochi Camel () and Cashmere Goat () to Isolate Enzyme-Producing Bacteria as Potential Additives for Animal Feed.

Rumen microbiology has made a significant contribution to the discovery of biodegradation processes, which convert nutrients into energy for ruminants. Therefore, understanding the enzymatic potential in the rumen of different animal species is essential for developing efficient microbial feed additives. The aim of this study was to isolate enzyme-producing bacteria (EPBs) from the rumen of the Balochi camel () and Cashmere goat () as potential additives for animal feed. The EPBs were screened based on the hydrolysis of carboxyl methyl cellulose, tannin, starch, and bovine serum albumin. The isolates were then subjected to enzyme activity assays and molecular characterization. Additionally, they were evaluated for their antagonistic effects, antibiotic susceptibility, and growth in acidic, bile, and saline media. Thirteen enzyme-producing strains were identified in the rumen of the camels and goats, belonging to the genera , , , and . The highest and lowest tannase activities were recorded for GHMGHE41 (10.46 Um/l) and GHMGHE15 (1.83 Um/l), respectively. GHMGHE18 (2.03 U/ml) was the most effective cellulolytic isolate, compared to strains (1.05 Um/l). The highest protease producer was GHMGHE13 (3.00 U/ml), while GHMGHE17 (1.13 U/ml) had the lowest activity. GHMGHE13 (1.55 U/ml) and GHMGHE19 (1.26 U/ml) were the highest and lowest producers of amylase, respectively. The strains exhibited mixed responses to antibiotics and remained stable under stressful conditions. These findings indicate that ruminal EPBs have the potential to be used in animal feed, pending further in vivo studies.