Biochemical Assessment of Solid-State Fermented Elephant Grass and its Potential Incorporation in Broiler's Diets

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine if incorporating pre-treated ensiled elephant grass into broiler feed could help meet the rising demand for animal protein. The elephant grass underwent solid-state fermentation for seven days and ensiling in airtight nylon bags for 21 days. Compared to the control, pre-treated ensiled elephant grass exhibited a significant increase in soluble protein concentration (p<0.05) during fermentation. However, the glucose concentration was significantly lower (p>0.05) in the pre-treated ensiled elephant grass after fermentation than in the control. Elephant grass that was solid-state fermented and ensiled with Rhizopus oligosporus demonstrated the highest percentage inhibition (22.4±0.5%). The pre-treated ensiled elephant grass had significantly higher mannanase activity (p<0.05) than the control. In terms of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities, there were no significant differences between the control group and the experimental group fed with diets composed of ensiled elephant grass, ensiled elephant grass fermented with R. oligosporus, or solid-state fermented and ensiled elephant grass with R. oligosporus and urea in a 25% maize replacement. In conclusion, ensiled elephant grass can replace 25% maize in broiler starter feed, and the animal feed industry could benefit from the mannanase identified in this study.