Influence of Pleurotus ostreatus spent corn straw on performance and carcass characteristics of feedlot Pelibuey lambs.

Abstract

The present study was conducted in lambs fed diets including the corn straw post-grow of the mushroom, Pleurotus ostreatus, to evaluate growth performance and carcass characteristics of feedlot lambs. Thirty two Pelibuey lambs (29 kg) were divided in two treatments and blocked by weight. Dietary straw treatments were: (i) 9% of pasteurized straw as control (CS); and (ii) 9% of pro-farming straw from Pleurotus ostreatus (CSP). Pleurotus treatment increased crude (39.5%) and soluble protein (165%), soluble carbohydrates (621%), and decreased neutral detergent fiber (14.5 units). Average daily gain (ADG) was increased up 56 d (31%) and total trial duration (1 to 56 d) to 17.5%. DMI was increased up to 13% and 4.6% to period 28 to 56 d and total trial duration, respectively. Carcass weight, dressing percentage, fat thickness, and KPH were not influenced by dietary treatments. In conclusion, corn straw treated with P. ostreatus improved chemical composition of straws and growth performance of feedlot lambs, without negative effects on carcass characteristics.