Ensilling of fungal treated biomass and its effects on dairy cattle performance

The project will investigate the feeding value, palatability and acceptability of high fibrous materials treated with white-rot fungi when included in a TMR (Total Mixed Rations) by dairy cattle and goats. In addition, studies are planned to determine the effects of inclusion of treated products on rumen metabolism as well as effects on milk yield and composition (fat, protein, and lactose). The main limiting factor for the use of these crop residues as feedstuffs is the high content of lignin, preventing the valuable carbohydrates (hemicellulose and cellulose) to be utilized in the rumen of animals, as an energy source for ruminants. Fungi are the only organisms capable of degrading the complex lignin structures in plants. A pre-treatment of high lignin materials with white rot fungi will result in a higher feed value and increased synthesis of volatile fatty acids in the rumen. Rumen fluid of dairy cows and goats will be used for in vitro technique measurements, which will allow analysis of the digestibility and nutritive value of fungi treated fibrous waste i.e. wheat straw. In sacco nylon bag studies with fistulated dairy goats will allow measurement of the degradation of the treated wheat straw. Finally, palatability and acceptability measurement will be conducted by in vivo research using dairy goats. The purpose of this research is to develop knowledge on the feed value and acceptability of fungal treated waste products by dairy goats and cows. Although smallholder farmers in developing countries will most directly benefit from the results of this project, also farmers and industry in other countries will benefit. This information is important to assess the economic value of such products as feed ingredients in rations for goats and cows. These can be used by nutritionists and farmers to optimize the use of such high fibrous materials as an energy source for dairy cattle and other ruminants. Analysis and interpretation of the results obtained via the planned experiments will be published as scientific articles in peer reviewed journals.