The Effects of Solid-State Fermentation by <i>Aspergillus</i> spp. on the Nutritional Profile of Selected Agro-Industrial by-Products as Potential Feedstuffs for Weaner Rabbits
2025
Adedoyin Titi Amos | Damilola Uthman Kareem | Tolulope Modupe Adeleye | Emmanuel Abiodun Adeyeye | Munirat Olaide Abatan | Olusola Sarah Ayorinde | Esther Oluwasayo Adeboye | Maicon Sbardella | Adeboye Olusesan Fafiolu | Abimbola Oladele Oso | Olusegun Mark Obafemi Idowu
This study evaluates the effects of solid-state fermentation inoculated with <i>Aspergillus</i> spp. on the nutritional profile of selected agro-industrial by-products (AIBPs: cowpea shell, groundnut shell, soybean hull, and maize shaft). These AIBPs were assessed as potential feedstuffs in weaner rabbit diets, which often exhibit digestive disorders when introduced to highly lignified feed ingredients. The AIBPs were milled to a particle size of 2 mm, sterilized, and subjected to fermentation with <i>Aspergillus</i> spp. under microaerophilic conditions at 28 ± 2 °C for 10 days. Samples (four replicates per treatment) were analyzed for chemical constituents (mineral and proximate composition, anti-nutritional factors, and fibre fractions) before and after fermentation. Digestible energy and digestibility coefficient of gross energy were calculated. Data were subjected to two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). There was an increase (<i>p</i> < 0.05) in mineral profile, proximate composition, digestible energy, digestibility coefficient of gross energy, and dry matter, with a reduction (<i>p</i> < 0.05) in crude fibre, fibre fractions, and anti-nutritional factors. It was concluded that fermentation with <i>Aspergillus</i> spp. improved the nutritional value of the selected agro-industrial by-products. Therefore, fermented materials possess a better nutritional profile to be used in feeding programs for weaner rabbits. This will ensure sustainable animal production and add value to agricultural waste, which would otherwise constitute an environmental nuisance.
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