Xylanase derived from Thermoascus aurantiacus SL16W has
characteristics of high activity, heat tolerance and exhibits the potential
development for industrial feed enzyme. The objective of this study was to
determine the toxic effect of crude xylanase on hematological and blood
biochemistry in albino rats. Crude xylanase at doses of 750, 1,500 and 4,000 U
kg^-1 body weight(bw) were orally administered to rats for 120 days. Hematological and blood
biochemistry levels were investigated in two periods (exposure and recovery).
It was found that crude xylanase had no effect on rat`s body weight. SGOT
levels of treated rats significantly decreased as compared to those of control
group (p=<0.05), while SGPT levels were similar in all groups. BUN levels in
treated groups were higher than those of controls in exposure period, but
slightly lower in recovery period. However, Creatinine levels in treated groups
were not different from control group. It was suggested from the results that
crude xylanase is safe for using in animals feed industry.