Abstract: A xylanase gene, denoted xynC, encoding a novel xylanase (XynC) obtained from the anaerobic fungus Neocallimastix patriciarum is provided. The DNA sequence of the xynC gene is also provided. Transformation of microbial and plant hosts with the xynC gene is described. The xynC gene may be used to design probes for use in hybridization experiments to isolate xylanase genes from other anaerobic fungi. The xynC gene has been used to construct an oleosin-xynC expression construct encoding an oleosin-xylanase fusion protein which retains xylanase activity. Transgenic Brassica napus (canola), transformed with the oleosin-xynC expression construct, expresses the oleosin-xylanase fusion protein which is immobilized in the oil-body membrane of the B. napus seeds. Canola meal, the protein-rich residue left after canola oil is extracted from canola plants, when derived from the transgenic B. napus of the present invention, retains substantial xylanase activity, making it an ideal animal feed supplement.