In vitro Rumen Fermentation Characteristics of White Rot Fungi Biodegraded Cassava (Manihot esculenta) Peels

Aim: This study was designed to evaluate the chemical composition, In vitro gas production, fermentation characteristics, methane produced and estimated metabolisable energy, organic matter digestibility and short chain fatty acids of untreated cassava peels and white rot fungi (Pleurotus osetreatus, Pleurotuseryngii, pleurotus tuber- regium and Lentinus edodes) biodegraded cassava peels as potential feedstuffs.

Study Design: Experimental design employed was complete randomized design.

Place and Duration of the Study: The study was conducted at the Farm Unit of the College of Agriculture, Lafia, Nigeria and Animal Science laboratoryof University of Benin, Nigreia. The duration of study was 21 days.

Methodology: Crude protein was determined as Kjeldahl nitrogen x 6.25. Ether extracts, crude fibre and ash were determined in triplicates. In vitro gas production using rumen fluid obtained from West African Dwarf goats and incubation was carried out. The gas production was measured at 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21 and 24 h. After 24 hours of incubation, methane produced was estimated and determined in triplicates.

Results: The proximate composition of the biodegraded cassava peels samples indicated Pleurotus tuber-regium, as most efficient amongst the four white rot fungi in significantly improving the lignocellulosic cassava peels. Superior (P<0.05) proximate values were recorded for pleurotus tuber- regium biodegraded cassava peel (PT-CPS) compared to all other fungi biodegraded cassava peel samples. Untreateted cassava peel (UCPS) was improved by this fungus from crude protein of 3.33 to 9.83%; crude fibre content reduced from 18.61 to 10.66%; and better value of ash (from 4.00 to 5.84%). Similarly, significant (P<0.05) values of IVGP (20.00ml/200mgDM), ME (5.21 MJ/kgDM), OMD (40.70%), SCFA (0.4179 µmol) and CH4 estimate of 10.33ml/200 mgDM were obtained for pleurotus tuber- regium biodegraded cassava peel (PT-CPS).

Conclusion: Results obtained in this study inferred that Pleurotus tuber-regium as the most efficient fungus in improving the nutritive value of cassava peels.