Optimizing Bio-Physical Conditions and Pre-Treatment Options for Breaking Lignin Barrier of Maize Stover Feed Using White Rot Fungi

Author: mycolabadmin
2016-08-25
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Summary

This research explored how to improve the nutritional value of maize crop residues as animal feed using beneficial fungi and bacteria. The scientists found that treating maize stover with good bacteria and molasses before adding white rot fungi could break down tough plant fibers and make the feed more digestible for cattle and other ruminants. This provides a low-cost, environmentally-friendly way to convert agricultural waste into valuable animal feed. Impacts on everyday life: – Helps farmers reduce feed costs by converting crop waste into nutritious animal feed – Provides an environmentally sustainable alternative to burning crop residues – Could improve milk and meat production from cattle fed on crop residues – Reduces agricultural waste and promotes circular farming practices – Offers an affordable feed solution for small-scale farmers in developing regions

Background

Maize stover has high potential as ruminant feed but its utilization is limited by high lignin content which reduces fiber digestibility. While ruminants have effective digestive systems for fiber, they cannot extract sufficient energy and protein from maize stover due to complex lignin-cellulose-hemicellulose bonds that resist biological and chemical hydrolysis. White rot fungi offer promise as an affordable and environmentally acceptable approach to increase nutritional value by breaking down lignin barriers.

Objective

This study aimed to: 1) determine optimal bio-physical conditions for mycelial growth of selected Pleurotus species, 2) identify the most effective Pleurotus species for lignin breakdown, and 3) determine pre-treatment options that can improve solid state fermentation effectiveness with the best Pleurotus species.

Results

P. sajor caju showed highest mycelial growth at 25°C, pH 5, and 0.01 mL/L H2O2 concentration in darkness. Maize stover fermented with P. sajor caju had highest crude protein (86.6 g/kg DM), in-vitro dry matter digestibility (731 g/kg DM), and lowest lignin content (50 g/kg DM). Pre-treatment with L. plantarum and molasses before P. sajor caju fermentation further improved crude protein to 96.6 g/kg DM and reduced lignin to 45.0 g/kg DM.

Conclusion

Pre-treatment of maize stover with L. plantarum and molasses for 7 days followed by fermentation with P. sajor caju for 14 days at 25°C in darkness offers the greatest potential for breaking lignin barrier and improving nutritive value. However, in vivo studies are recommended to validate the results and rule out potential anti-nutritional effects.

Published in:Animal Nutrition,
Study Type:Laboratory Experiment,
Source: 10.1016/j.aninu.2016.08.009