Abstract
Treatment of crop residues with some species of white-rot fungi can enhance the nutritive value. After the fungal treatment of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) stover with two white-rot fungi in a solid state fermentation, the chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of the resultant substrate was determined. The results show a significant (p < 0.05) increase in crude protein contents from 2.54% for the control to 4.51% for Pleurotus ostreatus (POS) and 4.59% for Pleurotus sajor pulmonarius(PPT). The nitrogen free extract (NFE) content also increased significantly (p < 0.05). The crude fibre decreased significantly from 31.65% for the control to 27.49% for POS and 23.54% for PPS. There were also consistent significant decreases (p < 0.05) in the values obtained for NDF, ADF ADL. Significant differences were also observed in the hemicellulose and cellulose contents. Fermentation of the insoluble fraction (b) was enhanced by the fungal treatment. Wide variations were also observed in the mineral contents of the different substrates The estimated organic matter digestibility (OMD) ranged from 42.99 to 57.75%, short chain fatty acid ranged from 0.56 to 0.94 µM and metabolisable energy (ME) ranged from 5.97 to 8.21 MJ/Kg DM. This result suggests that fungal treatment of sorghum stover resulted in improved CP and digestibility, hence its potential in ruminant nutrition. Key words: Chemical composition, crop residues, in vitro digestibility, solid state fermentation, sorghum stover, white-rot fungi.
Highlights
The Nigerian livestock industry competes with other sectors for the consumption of conventional ingredients.This competition often pushes the prices of finished feed upwards (Iyayi and Aderolu, 2004)
The results show a significant (p < 0.05) increase in crude protein contents from 2.54% for the control to 4.51% for Pleurotus ostreatus (POS) and 4.59% for Pleurotus sajor pulmonarius (PPT)
Wide variations were observed in the mineral contents of the different substrates The estimated organic matter digestibility (OMD) ranged from 42.99 to 57.75%, short chain fatty acid ranged from 0.56 to 0.94 μM and metabolisable energy (ME) ranged from 5.97 to 8.21 MJ/Kg dry matter (DM)
Summary
The Nigerian livestock industry competes with other sectors for the consumption of conventional ingredients. This competition often pushes the prices of finished feed upwards (Iyayi and Aderolu, 2004). After the removal of grains, the stovers are left in the field where natural breakdown occurs while a larger fraction is burnt to generate steam for the stripping. The feeding value of these stovers is very low because of its high crude fiber and lignin, low crude protein vitamins and minerals.physical or chemical methods, but chemical method of improvement has been greatly limited, especially in the developing country such as Nigeria, by high cost of chemicals, safety concerns and the possible environmental consequences. Recent advances in fungal treatment of lignocellulosics have shown that certain strains of white-rot fungi have the natural ability in upgrading lignocellulosics
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
