Effects of fermented mushroom (Flammulina velutipes) by-product diets on growth performance and carcass traits in growing-fattening Berkshire pigs.

This study was conducted to investigate effects of fermented mushroom (Flammulina velutipes) by-product diets on the growth performance and carcass traits in growing-fattening Berkshire pigs. The fermented diets mainly contained 40.0% mushroom by-product, 20.0% formula feed, 26.0% rice bran and supplemental 0.1% probiotics. The mixed ingredients were fermented for 5days at room temperature. Berkshire pigs (n=225) were divided into five groups and three replications. The basal diets (C) were substituted by 10% (T1), 30% (T2), 50% (T3) and 70% (T4) fermented mushroom by-product diets. Crude protein concentration and total calorie in fermented diets were significantly increased (P<0.05) at the end of fermentation days compared with initial fermentation day. Body weight gain, feed efficiency and carcass weight were significantly lower (P<0.05) in the T2, T3 and T4 groups than in the control group. Carcass grade was significantly better (P<0.05) in the pigs fed fermented diets than in the pigs fed control diet and the ratio of high grade (1 plus 2 grades) was higher in the fermented diet groups compared with the control group. Therefore, although a diet of fermented mushroom by-product decreased growth performance and feed efficiency, it improved the carcass grade in Berkshire pigs.