By Blake Jackson
Researchers at Penn State are exploring a novel way to reduce feed costs and mushroom farm waste: using mushroom byproducts in chicken feed. Broiler chickens, raised for meat, can see their feed costs make up a whopping 60-70% of production expenses. Meanwhile, nearly 30% of a button mushroom's weight ends up as stump waste after harvest.
This study investigated if supplementing chicken feed with this mushroom stump waste could be a win-win. The team fed broilers diets containing 0% (control), 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% mushroom waste for 21 days.
Good news for both chickens and the environment: chicks fed up to 3% stump waste grew just as well as those on a standard diet, with no negative impact on digestion. However, higher levels (4% and 5%) hindered growth and amino acid digestion.
"Lowering feed costs through unconventional ingredients is a growing trend," says lead researcher John Boney. "Mushroom waste might even offer additional nutritional benefits for chickens."
The study involved 480 chicks, randomly assigned to treatment groups. Researchers tracked their growth, health, and ability to digest 17 amino acids. The mushroom waste came from a nearby farm, dried, and ground into a suitable feed size.
Pennsylvania is a major player in both button mushroom production (64% of the US total) and broiler farming (ranking 4th nationally). This translates to a significant amount of mushroom waste – an estimated 93,000 metric tons composted annually.
"These leftover stumps hold potential," says Boney. "They're fibrous and contain health-promoting compounds. Turning them into chicken feed could be a sustainable solution for both industries, especially in Pennsylvania."
This research was funded by the American Mushroom Institute and highlights a promising avenue for more eco-friendly and cost-effective chicken farming practices.
Photo Credit: istock-guruxoox
Categories: Pennsylvania, Education