Statistical optimization of lovastatin production by Omphalotus olearius (DC.) singer in submerged fermentation.

In this study, culture conditions were optimized to improve lovastatin production by Omphalotus olearius, isolate OBCC 2002, using statistical experimental designs. The Plackett-Burman design was used to select important variables affecting lovastatin production. Accordingly, glucose, peptone, and agitation speed were determined as the variables that have influence on lovastatin production. In a further experiment, these variables were optimized with a Box-Behnken design and applied in a submerged process; this resulted in 12.51 mg/L lovastatin production on a medium containing glucose (10 g/L), peptone (5 g/L), thiamine (1 mg/L), and NaCl (0.4 g/L) under static conditions. This level of lovastatin production is eight times higher than that produced under unoptimized media and growth conditions by Omphalotus olearius. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt to optimize submerged fermentation process for lovastatin production by Omphalotus olearius.

Crude Polysaccharides from Mushrooms Elicit an Anti-Allergic Effect Against Type 1 Allergy In Vitro.

Type 1 allergic disease is a global challenge, hence the search for alternative therapies. Mushrooms have several medicinal and health benefits. However, scant data exist on the anti-allergic properties of polysaccharides from fruiting bodies (FB) and mycelia of mushrooms. We used an in vitro co-culture system comprising Caco-2 cells (intestinal epithelial colorectal carcinoma cell line) and RBL-2H3 cells (cell line from rat basophilic leukemia cells). Reduction in degranulation of mast cells indicated anti-allergy properties. The inhibitory effect of crude polysaccharides from different mushroom FB and mycelia on ß-hexosaminidase release from RBL-2H3 cells was measured. Results showed that crude polysaccharides from the FB of Inonotus obliquus exhibited a significant inhibitory effect on ß-hexosaminidase release and lowered it by 16%. Polysaccharides from the FB of Lentinus squarrosulus, and Pleurotus ostreatus did not exhibit a significant reduction in ß-hexosaminidase. However, crude polysaccharides from their mycelia had a significant inhibitory effect, resulting in up to a 23% reduction in ß-hexosaminidase activity. Among fungi showing degranulation properties, crude polysaccharides from their mycelia showed more potent action against degranulation than their corresponding FB. Polysaccharides extracted from FB and or mycelia, of selected mushrooms, possess anti-allergic properties that could be harnessed for use in alternative allergy therapies.

Benefits of Mushroom-Based Supplements on Growth Performance, Immunocompetence, and Meat Quality in Poultry.

The restriction on the use of antibiotics in poultry has led to an increase in the use of natural products that could serve as alternatives to antibiotics. Mushrooms contain bioactive compounds that exhibit antifungal, antiparasitic, antibacterial, antioxidant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic properties. Hence, they are being tested, revealing as performance-enhancing natural feed additives for livestock. This review focused on the role of different species of mushrooms commonly used in poultry on the performance, immunomodulatory actions, cholesterolemic properties, and meat quality of poultry birds. Different studies reviewed show that mushrooms could positively impact poultry production, improve growth performance, modulate immune response, exert tissue antioxidant activity, influence intestinal morphology, enhance gut microbiome, and improve lipid profile. The variations in their efficacy could be attributed to the variations in physicochemical properties of different species and dosage levels applied in the experiments. However, the use of mushrooms as a natural product supplement is in its infancy, and more basic, pilot and large-scale research is required to make it a viable approach for improving immune responses in the poultry industry.

The Impact of Three White-Rot Fungi on Nutrient Availability, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, and Volatile Fatty Acid Production in Myceliated Sorghum.

Our study employed Pleurotus ostreatus, P. djamor, and Trametes versicolor (white rot fungi = WRF) in the process of solid-state fermentation (SSF) to convert sorghum grains into myceliated sorghum (MS). The MS was then used for in vitro studies to assess changes in nutrient content compared to untreated sorghum (control). The results demonstrated a significant (p < 0.001) increase in dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ash, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) contents of MS. Specifically, CP and ash values saw a remarkable increase from 68 to 330% and 40 to 190% in MS, respectively. Additionally, NDF and ADF degradability values increased significantly (p < 0.001) by 81.5% and 56.2% in P. djamor-treated MS at 24 h post-incubation. The treatment × time interaction was also significant (p < 0.001) for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. T. versicolor MS exhibited the highest total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) and propionate production. The use of WRF in the SSF process led to a significant improvement in the nutritional value of sorghum. Despite the varying effects of different WRF on the nutritional parameters in MS, they show potential for enhancing the feed value of sorghum in animal feed.

Species Diversity of Lycoperdaceae (Agaricales) in Israel, with Some Insights into the Phylogenetic Structure of the Family.

The diversity of Lycoperdaceae in Israel was studied. Molecular phylogenetic relationships within the family, and genus Lycoperdon in particular, were inferred using original ITS rDNA sequences of 58 samples belonging to 25 species from Israel and six other countries, together with 66 sequences stored in the GenBank database. The current molecular phylogenetic study recovered the family Lycoperdaceae as a monophyletic group, which was supported in both maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses. The clades corresponding to the genera Apioperdon, Bovista, Calvatia, Disciseda, and Lycoperdon were revealed. The taxonomic structure of the named genera was partially resolved. Within the genus Lycoperdon, some species received significant statistical support; however, their relationships, as well as the problem of the genus monophyly, mostly remained questionable. As a result of a thorough literature survey, extensive sample collection, and studies of the material stored in the Herbarium of the Institute of Evolution, University of Haifa (HAI, Israel), fifteen species representing five genera were found in the territory of Israel. Six species, namely Apioperdon pyriforme, Bovista aestivalis, Calvatia candida, Lycoperdon decipiens, L. niveum, and L. perlatum, are new additions to the diversity of Lycoperdaceae in Israel. Detailed macro- and micromorphological descriptions, ecology, geography, and critical notes, together with light microscopy photos and SEM micrographs, are provided. In-depth discussion on some taxonomically challenging species is presented.

Effects of UV Stress in Promoting Antioxidant Activities in Fungal Species Тrametes versicolor (L.) Lloyd and Flammulina velutipes (Curtis) Singer.

Trametes versicolor and Flammulina velutipes, after submerged cultivation, with intermittent exposure to ultraviolet light (UV), were studied for Total Phenolic content (TP) and Total Proteins (TPR) contents and antioxidant properties against free radicals. The TP and TPR were determined by a spectrophotometric method and Lowry's assay, respectively. Liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to quantify polyphenols. Different in vitro assays determined the antioxidant activities of the extracts. Mycelia extract from F. velutipes after 14 days and filtrate from T. versicolor after 21 days of incubation gave the highest TP 59.60 ± 0.14 and 50.03 ± 0.66 mg GAE/g d.w., respectively. Mycelia extract from T. versicolor after 28 days of incubation had the highest TPR (183.53 ± 2.84 mg BSAE/g d.w.). The LC-MS/MS analysis indicated that p-hydroxybenzoic and protocatechuic acids are the most abundant. Trametes versicolor filtrate after 14 days and F. velutipes filtrate after 21 days (71.29 ± 0.54% and 73.5 ± 1.81, respectively) had the highest scavenging activity in SOA. Correlation analysis indicated that all extracts' antioxidant (AO) potential strongly correlated with TP (R2 = 0.83-1.0). The data confirmed that stress factors such as UV exposure could stimulate the production of secondary metabolites and natural AOs, especially phenolic acids in test fungi.

Effects of the Incubation Period of Pleurotus ostreatus on the Chemical Composition and Nutrient Availability of Solid-State-Fermented Corn Stover.

The current study aimed to optimize and improve the feeding value of Pleurotus ostreatus-fermented corn stover by evaluating the effects of five solid-state fermentation times and three in vitro fermentation periods on the chemical composition, dry matter disappearance (DMD), microbial mass and volatile fatty acid (VFA) production of treated and untreated corn stover. The study utilized a 3 × 5 factorial design, with eight replicates per treatment. Dry matter, crude protein (CP), ash and non-fiber carbohydrate (NFC) contents increased quadratically (p < 0.05) with increases in the solid-state fermentation time. Increases of 44.4-59.1%, 20.6-78.6% and 40.5-121% were noted for the CP, ash and NFC contents, respectively. Organic matter, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber and hemicellulose contents decreased quadratically (p < 0.05) across the treatments. Similar trends were noted for DM and fiber disappearance in the treatments. The total gas production and in vitro true dry matter digestibility (IVTDMD) increased quadratically, while microbial mass and in vitro apparent DMD increased in a linear manner. The total VFA, propionate and butyrate contents increased linearly. Both the acetate content and the A:P ratio decreased in a linear manner. The results show that the rumen fermentation pathway favors the production of propionate, with increases in propionate production of 7.46 and 8.30% after 2 and 4 wk, respectively. The study showed that a 2 wk period of solid-state fermentation is sufficient to provide a bio-transformed cow-calf feed resource from P. ostreatus-treated corn stover.

The tropical white rot fungus, Lentinus squarrosulus Mont.: lignocellulolytic enzymes activities and sugar release from cornstalks under solid state fermentation.

Lentinus squarrosulus Mont., a high temperature tolerant white rot fungus that is found across sub-Saharan Africa and many parts of Asia, is attracting attention due to its rapid mycelia growth and potential for use in food and biodegradation. A solid state fermentation (SSF) experiment with L. squarrosulus (strain MBFBL 201) on cornstalks was conducted. The study evaluated lignocellulolytic enzymes activity, loss of organic matter (LOM), exopolysaccharide content, and the release of water soluble sugars from degraded substrate. The results showed that L. squarrosulus was able to degrade cornstalks significantly, with 58.8% LOM after 30 days of SSF. Maximum lignocellulolytic enzyme activities were obtained on day 6 of cultivation: laccase = 154.5 U/L, MnP = 13 U/L, peroxidase = 27.4 U/L, CMCase = 6.0 U/mL and xylanase = 14.5 U/mL. L. squarrosulus is a good producer of exopolysaccharides (3.0-5.13 mg/mL). Glucose and galactose were the most abundant sugars detected in the substrate during SSF, while fructose, xylose and trehalose, although detected on day zero of the experiment, were absent in treated substrates. The preference for hemicellulose over cellulose, combined with the high temperature tolerance and the very fast growth rate characteristics of L. squarrosulus could make it an ideal candidate for application in industrial pretreatment and biodelignification of lignocellulosic biomass.

Physiological Response of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to Silver Stress.

Silver nanoparticle (AgNP) production and their use as antimicrobial agents is a current area of active research. Biosynthesis is the most sustainable production method, and fungi have become candidates of interest in AgNP production. However, investigations into the physiological responses of fungi due to silver exposure are scanty. This present work utilized two strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (one used in commercial fermentation and a naturally occurring strain) to determine the physiological consequences of their transient exposure to AgNO3. The assessments were based on studies involving growth curves, minimal inhibitory concentration assays, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging, and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Results indicated (a) the capability of S. cerevisiae to produce silver nanoparticles, even at elevated levels of exposure; (b) strain origin had no significant impact on S. cerevisiae physiological response to AgNO3; and (c) coexposure to copper and silver significantly increased intracellular copper, silver, and calcium in treated yeast cells. In addition, electron microscopy and ICP-OES results revealed that both strains internalized silver after exposure, resulting in the shrunken and distorted physical appearance visible on SEM micrographs of treated cells. Though a promising candidate for AgNPs biosynthesis, this study analyzed the effects of transient silver exposure on S. cerevisiae growth physiology and morphology.

The Domestication and Cultivation of Ganoderma (Agaricomycetes) Medicinal Mushroom Species from Nigeria.

Commercial cultivation of Ganoderma species found in Nigeria does not exist. Four Ganoderma isolates (YCT-BKS, YCT-Q2, YCT-Q14, and YCT-Q18) collected in Lagos were tested for mycelia growth and cultivation in sawdust-based substrates. Internal transcribed spacer sequences (ITS1 and ITS4) from three isolates upon a GenBank BLAST search gave DNA sequence closest identities as YCT-BKS and YCT-Q14 = G. mbrekobenum and YCT-Q2 = G. enigmaticum. The mycelia growth rate was highest in YCT-BKS (1.2 cm/day), whereas the other three isolates averaged 0.7 cm/day. On substrate A (sawdust/water hyacinth, 7:3), the time to form primordia was 30 days for YCT-BKS, YCT-Q18, and YCT-Q14. YCT-Q2 and YCT-Q18 formed primordia (27 days) on substrate B (sawdust/sorghum, 3:2). YCT-BKS was the first to produce basidiocarp on substrate A (75 days after inoculation) and had the highest biological efficiency (BE) of 13.4%, followed by YCT-Q18 with BE of 12.1% on substrate B after 99 days. YCT-Q14 produced fruiting bodies after 92 days on substrate A, with a low BE of 7.0%. Results indicate the need to supplement sawdust (substrate C = 100% sawdust) to cultivate the Ganoderma spp. A mixture of sawdust and water hyacinth appears to be the best substrate among those tested. This is the first report on the domestication and cultivation of indigenous isolates of Ganoderma spp. from Nigeria on sawdust and water hyacinth. Water hyacinth is a noxious weed causing major problems in fresh waterways in Nigeria.

Outdoor versus indoor cultivation: Effects on the metabolite profile of Agaricus subrufescens strains analyzed by untargeted metabolomics.

Agaricus subrufescens has emerged as an important culinary-medicinal mushroom over the last decades. Efforts have been dedicated to upgrade the A. subrufescens productive process via strain selection and cultivation scaling-up. However, little is known on the influence of those variables on the metabolite profiles and nutraceutical properties of this mushroom. In this work, the effects of outdoor versus indoor cultivation on the metabolite profiles of five commercial strains of A. subrufescens were investigated by untargeted metabolomics. UHPLC-MS coupled to multivariate data analysis revealed that the concentration of several metabolites with reported health-related properties as well as related to taste and browning varied significantly between strains and were affected by the cultivation system in a strain-dependent manner. Data suggest that increasing the production scale by means of indoor cultivation may decrease the nutraceutical quality of some A. subrufescens strains while also affecting taste and browning susceptibility to different extents.

Lignin degradation, ligninolytic enzymes activities and exopolysaccharide production by Grifola frondosa strains cultivated on oak sawdust.

Fourteen strains of Grifola frondosa (Dicks.) S. F. Gray, originating from different regions (Asia, Europe and North America) were tested for lignin degradation, ligninolytic enzyme activities, protein accumulation and exopolysaccharide production during 55 days of cultivation on oak sawdust. Lignin degradation varied from 2.6 to7.1 % of dry weight of the oak sawdust substrate among tested strains. The loss of dry matter in all screened fungi varied between 11.7 and 33.0%, and the amount of crude protein in the dry substrate varied between 0.94 to 2.55%. The strain, MBFBL 596, had the highest laccase activity (703.3 U/l), and the maximum peroxidase activity of 22.6 U/l was shown by the strain MBFBL 684. Several tested strains (MBFBL 21, 638 and 662) appeared to be good producers of exopolysaccharides (3.5, 3.5 and 3.2 mg/ml respectively).

Fungal-Metal Interactions: A Review of Toxicity and Homeostasis.

Metal nanoparticles used as antifungals have increased the occurrence of fungal-metal interactions. However, there is a lack of knowledge about how these interactions cause genomic and physiological changes, which can produce fungal superbugs. Despite interest in these interactions, there is limited understanding of resistance mechanisms in most fungi studied until now. We highlight the current knowledge of fungal homeostasis of zinc, copper, iron, manganese, and silver to comprehensively examine associated mechanisms of resistance. Such mechanisms have been widely studied in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, but limited reports exist in filamentous fungi, though they are frequently the subject of nanoparticle biosynthesis and targets of antifungal metals. In most cases, microarray analyses uncovered resistance mechanisms as a response to metal exposure. In yeast, metal resistance is mainly due to the down-regulation of metal ion importers, utilization of metallothionein and metallothionein-like structures, and ion sequestration to the vacuole. In contrast, metal resistance in filamentous fungi heavily relies upon cellular ion export. However, there are instances of resistance that utilized vacuole sequestration, ion metallothionein, and chelator binding, deleting a metal ion importer, and ion storage in hyphal cell walls. In general, resistance to zinc, copper, iron, and manganese is extensively reported in yeast and partially known in filamentous fungi; and silver resistance lacks comprehensive understanding in both.

The Royal King Culinary-Medicinal Mushroom, Pleurotus tuber-regium Sclerotium (Agaricomycetes), a Potential Source of Drug for Interocular Pressure Management.

Pleurotus tuber-regium has been reported to lower dexamethasone-induced ocular hypertension. Effects of P. tuber-regium and 0.005% latanoprost on the circadian intraocular pressure (IOP) cycle in cats were investigated for a possible phase difference. The research was conducted in three phases. In phase 1, the baseline diurnal IOP of 12 cats was determined. In phase 2, the cats were divided into two groups (X and Y). Group Y was left untreated, while group X was treated with 0.1% dexamethasone topically. In phase 3, group X was further divided into two subgroups (X1 and X2). One eye of each cat in subgroup X1 was treated with 0.005% latanoprost; at the same time, one eye of each cat in subgroup X2 received P. tuber-regium topically. IOP was measured at 3-h intervals for 24 h, after 2 weeks of treatment. The mean baseline IOP was 12.8 mm Hg. After 2 weeks, both P. tuber-regium and latanoprost significantly (P < 0.0001) reduced ocular hypertension induced (mean of 23.2 mm Hg) in the right eye of subgroups X1 and X2 to 15.6 and 14.4 mm Hg, respectively. Their mean dark phases were 15.8 and 14.2 mm Hg, while their mean light phases were 15.5 and 14.6 mm Hg, respectively. Control group Y had a mean IOP of 13.2 mm Hg. Both P. tuber-regium and latanoprost lower dexamethasone-induced ocular hypertension significantly. While P. tuber-regium is more effective in the light phase, latanoprost is more effective in the dark phase; however, the difference is not significant. This work further confirms P. tuber-regium as a candidate to study for a source of drug that could be useful in IOP management in clinical practice.

Solid-state fermentation with Pleurotus ostreatus improves the nutritive value of corn stover-kudzu biomass.

A batch culture technique was used to evaluate dry matter (DM) digestibility of corn stover (Zea mays L.) and kudzu, Pueraria montana (Lour.) Merr. after solid-state fermentation (SSF) with a white-rot fungus, Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq. ex Fr.) P. Kumm. Five dietary treatments consisting of mixtures of corn stover (C) and kudzu (K) in varying ratios, (1) 100C:0K, (2) 75C:25K, (3) 50C:50K, (4) 25C:75K, and (5) 0C:100K, were inoculated with P. ostreatus (MBFBL 400) and subjected to SSF for 0, 35, and 77 days. The study was arranged as a 5 × 3 factorial design with 3 replicates. Grass hay was included in the study as a control. Interactions (P < 0.05) between treatments and fermentation time were noted for the fermentation kinetics. Asymptotic gas was the highest (P < 0.05) for 0C:100K and 100C:0K on day 77. Treatment effect (P < 0.001) and treatment × fermentation time interaction (P < 0.001) were noted for in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD). On day 77, treatment 4 had the highest (P < 0.001) IVDMD value, while treatment 1 had the lowest (P < 0.001) IVDMD. There was no difference (P > 0.05) between treatments 3, 5, and control. Numerically, the ranking of their IVDMD values from the highest to the lowest is 4 > 2 > 5 > control >3 > 1. The results show that the treated corn stover and kudzu mixes were comparable with the control, which is good quality hay. This is the first report that demonstrates the potential use of a combined mixture of corn stover and kudzu in ruminant animal feed development.

Biology and Nutritional Contents in the Culinary-Medicinal Milky White Mushroom, Calocybe indica (Agaricomycetes), during Cultivation Involving Casing and Scratching Treatments.

The milky white mushroom, Calocybe indica Purkay & A. Chandra, is a tropical species not commercially cultivated in Europe. The influence of casing and scratching treatments on productivity, morphological characteristics, and nutritional contents were investigated during the cultivation of C. indica on locally available substrates. The highest total mushroom yield (43.6 ± 1.7/100 g substrate fresh weight [FW]) and biological efficiency (BE; 128.1 ± 5.0%) were obtained from treatment T6 that received casing (30-mm height) and the scratching treatment before casing. The lowest yield (27.6 ± 2.3/100 g FW) and BE (81.1 ± 6.9%) were in the treatment that had no casing and no scratching treatment (T7). The yield in the first and second flush combined accounted for 82-90% of the total yield in all treatments except in T7, where it was 100%. The longest (61.1 ± 1.7 days) and shortest (39 ± 0 days) cropping cycles were recorded in T6 and T7, respectively. The highest dry matter content in fruiting bodies (12.6%) was in the treatments with casing (10 mm height) and scratching (T4), and the lowest (8.2%) was in T7. The scratching treatment significantly decreased (P < 0.05) the lipid and ash content in fruiting bodies. To our knowledge, this is the first report on tests conducted on tropical mushroom C. indica under simulated industrial cultivation conditions in Europe. Although it requires a high temperature for cultivation (28-32°C), C. indica could become an alternative mushroom for cultivation in temperature climates and during the summer, when high temperatures significantly increase the costs of commercial production and marketing of white button, portabella, and most other exotic mushrooms.

Lignocellulolytic enzyme activity, substrate utilization, and mushroom yield by Pleurotus ostreatus cultivated on substrate containing anaerobic digester solids.

Solid waste from anaerobic digestion of litter from the commercial production of broiler chickens has limited use as fertilizer. Its disposal is a major problem for digester operators who are seeking alternative use for anaerobic digester solids, also referred to as solid waste (SW). The use of SW as substrates for the cultivation of Pleurotus ostreatus strain MBFBL400 was investigated. Lignocellulolytic enzymes activity, substrate utilization, and mushroom yield were evaluated in ten different substrate combinations (SCs) containing varying amounts of solid waste, wheat straw, and millet. Nutritional content of mushrooms produced on the different substrates was also determined. Substrates containing 70-80% wheat straw, 10-20% SW, and 10-20% millet were found to produce the highest mushroom yield (874.8-958.3 g/kg). Loss of organic matter in all SCs tested varied from 45.8% to 56.2%, which had positive correlation with the biological efficiency. Laccase, peroxidase, and carboxymethylcellulase (CMCase) activities were higher before fruiting, whereas xylanase showed higher activities after mushroom fruiting. SW increased the nutritional content in mushrooms harvested, and the combination of wheat straw and SW with millet significantly improved mushroom yield. Our findings demonstrated the possibility of utilizing anaerobic digester solids in mushroom cultivation. The application of SW as such could improve the financial gains in the overall economy of anaerobic digester plants.

Application of solid waste from anaerobic digestion of poultry litter in Agrocybe aegerita cultivation: mushroom production, lignocellulolytic enzymes activity and substrate utilization.

The degradation and utilization of solid waste (SW) from anaerobic digestion of poultry litter by Agrocybe aegerita was evaluated through mushroom production, loss of organic matter (LOM), lignocellulolytic enzymes activity, lignocellulose degradation and mushroom nutrients content. Among the substrate combinations (SCs) tested, substrates composed of 10-20% SW, 70-80% wheat straw and 10% millet was found to produce the highest mushroom yield (770.5 and 642.9 g per 1.5 kg of substrate). LOM in all SCs tested varied between 8.8 and 48.2%. A. aegerita appears to degrade macromolecule components (0.6-21.8% lignin, 33.1-55.2% cellulose and 14-53.9% hemicellulose) during cultivation on the different SCs. Among the seven extracellular enzymes monitored, laccase, peroxidase and CMCase activities were higher before fruiting; while xylanase showed higher activities after fruiting. A source of carbohydrates (e.g., millet) in the substrate is needed in order to obtain yield and biological efficiency comparable to other commercially cultivated exotic mushrooms.

Effects of Diets Supplemented with Medicinal Mushroom Myceliated Grains on Some Production, Health, and Oxidation Traits of Dairy Ewes.

The beneficial properties of mushrooms' bioactive compounds indicate their potential for use as performance-enhancing natural additives for livestock animals. A study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of diets supplemented with mushroom myceliated grains (MMGs) fed to dairy ewes on intestinal parasite load, milk production, milk fatty acid (FA) composition, and cheese oxidative stability. During an 8-week experimental period, 21 lactating Valle del Belice ewes were divided into 3 groups named MMG20, MMG10, and MMG0. Ewes in each group were fed hay ad libitum and 1.3 kg/day/head of 1 of 3 concentrates with MMGs at 20% (MMG20), 10% (MMG10), or 0% (MMG0). The ewes fed MMG20 had comparable dry matter (DM) and nutrients intake, fewer intestinal parasite infections, a tendency toward higher milk yield, and higher milk casein content (4.78% in MMG20 vs. 4.32% in MMG10 and 4.27% in MMG0; P < 0.05), and they produced cheese with less intense yellow color and a lower secondary lipid oxidation, than the ewes in the MMG10 and MMG0 groups. A higher antioxidant capacity was observed (17.83 mmol Trolox equivalent/kg DM in the MMG20 group vs. 9.97 and 9.18 mmol Trolox equivalent/kg DM in the MMG10 and MMG0 groups, respectively; P < 0.001), suggesting a higher oxidative stability of cheese fat and a probable enrichment of cheese with antioxidant compounds inherent in or induced by MMGs. The inclusion of MMGs in the diet did not affect the amounts of health-promoting polyunsaturated FAs in milk, with the exception of n-3 eicosapentaenoic acid, which was found only in milk from the MMG-treated ewes. These promising results merit further investigation into the potential use of medicinal mushrooms to enhance animal health and production.

Medicinal Mushrooms Supplements Alter Chicken Intestinal Microbiome.

Chicken intestinal microbiomes are known to enhance chicken health and increase production. Identifying natural supplements that shift bacteria communities in favor of beneficial bacteria is critical. This study is a preliminary investigation of the use of medicinal mushrooms nutritional supplements (MSs) including Lentinus edodes, Ganoderma lucidum, Pleurotus ostreatus, and Cordyceps sp. to modulate bacteria in chicken guts. Two-hundred seventy 1-day-old broilers were weighed and randomly assigned to nine different treatments containing MSs. Treatments were assigned according to MS incubation times (14-56 days) and levels of inclusion (5% and 10%) into chicken feed as follows: (1) control MS0; (2) MS1, 14 days, 5%; (3) MS2, 14 days, 10%; (4) MS3, 28 days, 5%; (5) MS4, 28 days, 10%; (6) MS5, 42 days, 5%; (7) MS6, 42 days, 10%; (8) MS7, 56 days, 5%; and (9) MS8, 56 days, 10%. Changes in bacterial community in the stomach (S) and bursa (B) of experimental chickens were assessed using a next-generation sequencing approach. Results indicated that all MSs, except MS1-S (14 days, 5%) and MS4-S (28 days, 10%), completely eliminated Mollicutes, a class of stomach pathogens. MS7 (56 days, 5%) reduced Clostridia 4.8-fold and 3-fold in the stomach and bursa, respectively. The chicken stomach contained far more diverse bacteria than the bursa. Whereas the overall diversity of bacteria decreased with MSs, there was no consistent pattern with incubation time and inclusion level. The abundance of Gammaproteobacteria and unidentified species increased tremendously in both organs, while Bacilli were generally reduced. MS7 (56 days, 5%) showed the most promising result but needs further research. This study high-lights potential benefits from the use of fungal-based supplements as health enhancers in chicken production.