Ecofriendly Usability of Mushroom Cultivation Substrate as a Ruminant Feed: Anaerobic Digestion Using Gas Production Techniques
- Author: mycolabadmin
- 6/19/2022
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Summary
Mushroom farming produces large amounts of waste substrate that typically ends up in landfills. This research shows that after mushrooms are harvested, the remaining substrate can be safely fed to cattle and other ruminant animals. The mushroom cultivation process actually improves the substrate’s nutritional quality by breaking down tough plant fibers, making it easier for animals to digest. This discovery could help farms reduce waste, lower feeding costs, and address environmental pollution.
Background
Mushroom cultivation generates spent substrate waste typically disposed through incineration or landfill, creating environmental and economic challenges. This substrate is rich in microorganisms, extracellular enzymes, and nitrogen, with potential as animal feed. White-rot fungi enzymes secreted during mushroom growth can degrade lignin and improve substrate digestibility.
Objective
To evaluate the nutritive value and ruminal fermentability of mushroom-uncultivated and -cultivated substrates, and to assess their in vitro gas and methane production characteristics as potential ruminant feed.
Results
Mushroom cultivation reduced ether extract, acid detergent fiber, and crude fiber levels while increasing cumulative gas production and methane production. Organic matter digestibility, metabolizable energy, and net energy lactation values were significantly higher in cultivated substrate due to increased substrate surface area and improved microorganism access.
Conclusion
Mushroom-cultivated substrate demonstrates higher nutritional value and could serve as an economical and environmentally sustainable feed for ruminants, potentially reducing both feed costs and environmental pollution while supporting food security.
- Published in:Animals (Basel),
- Study Type:Experimental Study,
- Source: PMID: 35739919