Mushroom-treated wheat straw boosts cattle feed nutrition and intake.
The researchers treated wheat straw with different types of Pleurotus fungi to improve its nutritional value. They found that the treated straw had higher protein content and lower cell wall components compared to untreated straw. The treated straw was also more easily digested both in vitro and in vivo, with the best results seen with the P-41 treatment. Cows fed the treated straw showed increased intake of dry matter and digestible organic matter. Overall, the study showed that treating wheat straw with certain fungi can enhance its nutritive value for livestock.