Effect of Sawdust-Based Spent Mushroom Substrate Treated with Steam on Rat Growth Performance

Abstract

High-temperature steam treatment of wood materials results in sterilization and improved digestibility; however, in some cases deleterious degradation products are generated. Steam-treated sawdust-based spent mushroom substrate (S-SSMS) was prepared from non-treated SSMS (N-SSMS) after the cultivation of Maitake (Grifola frondosa) mushroom by autoclaving. Wistar rats were assigned to three groups: control group, fed a basal diet; N-SSMS group, fed a 25% N-SSMS diet; and S-SSMS group, fed a 25% S-SSMS diet for 26 days. The effects of S-SSMS on the growth performance, serum biochemical parameters, fecal composition, and cecal pH of rats were investigated. There were no significant differences in body weight gain, feed efficiency, and serum biochemical parameters among the groups. However, fecal weight and protein amount of N-SSMS and S-SSMS groups were significantly higher than those of the control group, while cecal pHs of N-SSMS and S-SSMS groups were lower than that of the control group. Based on these observations, S-SSMS has potential as a feed additive for monogastric animals.

Spent substrate from mushroom cultivation: exploitation potential toward various applications and value-added products

“…SMS inclusion in the diet of monogastric animals have been tested with both pigs and model animals (mice, rats). The addition of sawdust-based SMS from Grifola frondosa (25% w/w) in rats’ diet did not affect the weight gain, the feed efficiency, or the biochemical parameters, while fecal weight and protein content were found to be higher [ 76 ]. In addition, the – orally administered – hot water extract of SMS from Ganoderma lucidum exhibited enhanced murine immune function in mice [ 65 ].…”