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Conversion of Lignocellulosic Biomass Into Valuable Feed for Ruminants Using White Rot Fungi

Summary

Researchers tested how three types of edible and medicinal fungi could improve the nutritional quality of agricultural plant waste for feeding livestock. They found that one fungus species, Ceriporiopsis subvermispora, was particularly effective at breaking down tough plant fibers, especially in rapeseed straw and spent reed materials. The fungal treatment not only made the feed easier for ruminant animals to digest but also reduced methane gas production, which is beneficial for environmental sustainability.

Background

Lignocellulosic biomass is widely used as animal feed for ruminants but has limited digestibility due to lignin content. White rot fungi can selectively degrade lignin and improve nutritional value, though they also cause dry matter loss during treatment. Several factors including biomass type, fungal species, and cultivation conditions determine treatment success.

Objective

To screen various lignocellulosic biomasses (wheat straw, barley straw, oat straw, rapeseed straw, miscanthus, new reed, spent reed, and cocoa shells) treated with three white rot fungi species to determine net improvement of nutritional value for use as ruminant feed.

Results

Ceriporiopsis subvermispora grew fastest on all biomass types and achieved highest net improvements (15-86%), particularly on rapeseed straw (86%) and spent reed (80%). Lentinula edodes showed net improvements of 2-43%, with best results on rapeseed straw (20%) and spent reed (43%). Methane production was reduced in most fungal-biomass combinations. Chemical analysis showed significant decreases in lignin and hemicellulose content across treatments.

Conclusion

Ceriporiopsis subvermispora achieved greater net improvement than Lentinula edodes in treating highly lignified biomass. Rapeseed straw and spent reed showed significant nutritional value improvement with both fungi. Low-quality biomasses demonstrated higher net improvement potential, indicating greater economic value for conversion to ruminant feed.
  • Published in:Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: 10.1111/jpn.14099; PMID: 39797406
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