Nutritional, In vitro gas production and fermentation characteristics of Pleurotus tuber-regium degraded cassava root sievate based diets for goat

Abstract

The study was carried out to evaluate the nutritional, in vitro gas production and fermentation characteristics of Pleurotus tuber-regium degraded cassava root sievate (PTRCRS) based diets for goats. Four experimental diets (T1, T2, T3, and T4) were formulated with 0, 20, 40 and 60% inclusion levels of PTRCRS in a completely randomized design. The diets were analyzed for chemical, mineral and anti-nutritional factors. The diets were incubated (0-24 h) in three replicates and incubations run at two consecutive times to make six replicates per treatment for estimation of the in vitro gas production and fermentation characteristics. Crude protein and ash were significantly (p<0.05) high in T3 and T4. Nitrogen free extract was significantly (p<0.05) higher in T1 in comparison with T3 and T4. Neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre showed significant (p<0.05) lower values with increasing levels of PTRCRS. The mineral compositions were not significantly (p>0.05) affected by the biodegradation. Hydrogen cyanide, oxalate and saponins levels were significantly (p<0.05) reduced in T4. In vitro gas production volumes were significantly (p<0.05) higher for T3 and T4 at 6 and 24 h incubation time. Methane was significantly (p<0.05) reduced with increased levels of PTRCRS in the diets. In vitro gas production, short chain fatty acid, metabolizable energy and organic matter digestibility were higher (p<0.05) in T2, T3 and T4 groups compared to the control (T1) group. It was therefore concluded that biodegradation of cassava root sievate with Pleurotus tuber-regium enhanced its nutritive value, in vitro gas production and fermentation characteristics.