PSXII-25 Characterization and evaluation of the in vitro dry matter digestibility of corn stover spent used to produce edible fungi

Abstract Corn stover (CS) is an agricultural byproduct available in many countries for animal feed. However, due to its high lignin (L) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content it has a low digestibility. The production of edible fungi, using CS-based substrate, is an option to improve CS digestibility, as fungi can break down the cross-links between cell wall components. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of fungal treated CS from 17 species of white rot fungi: Lentinula edodes (L5, L9, LC,L15), Hericium sp (Heri) and Pleurotus djamour (Pd-Pro, Pd-UTMR) Pleurotus eryngii (Pe-PQ, Pe-MB), Pleurotus ostreatus (Po-IE202, Po-IAP, Po-Psma, Po-P14, Po-POS, Po-JP, Po-P38, Po-Sfco) on crude protein (CP), L and NDF content and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD). The composition of the substrate (C) was CS (80.55%), ground sorghum (5.98%) wheat bran (3.89%), corn gluten (4.89%), CaCO3 (3.89%) and CaSO4 (0.89%). The variables were analyzed as a completely randomized design using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Means were compared with the Tukey procedure. A significant increase (P < 0.05) of CP from 10% (Po-P38) to 69% (LC) was observed, except for Pd-UTMR, Po-IAP, Po-Psma, Po-P38 and Po-Sfco that showed similar content to the C. There was a decrease (P < 0.05) in the NDF from 10% (Heri) to 34% (L15) in relation to the C. The L content did not decrease in comparison with the C (P < 0.05). Furthermore, 13 treatments significantly increased (P < 0.05) IVDMD from 24% (Po-P14) to 42% (Pd-UTMR), except for Po-P38, Po-JP, LC and Heri in comparison with the C. In conclusion, the cultivation of white rot fungi, such as Pd-UTMR, Po-IAP, Po-Psma, LC, L9 and L15 using CS as substrate, improved CP content and increased IVDMD of CS, suggesting that which can be a good alternative for feeding ruminants.