Recent Developments in the Application of Filamentous Fungus Aspergillus oryzae in Ruminant Feed

Abstract

The resource-intensive nature of the ruminant farming sector, which has been exacerbated by population growth and increasing pressure to reduce feed antibiotics and growth promoters, has sparked interest in looking for sustainable alternative feed sources to enhance ruminant production efficiency. Edible filamentous fungi, rich in macronutrients like proteins, offer promise in reducing the reliance on conventional protein sources and antimicrobials to improve feed quality and animal performance. The inclusion of single-cell proteins, particularly filamentous fungi, in ruminant feed has long been of scientific and industrial interest. This review focuses on the potential application of the extensively studied Aspergillus oryzae and its fermentation extracts in ruminant nutrition. It provides an overview of conventional ruminant feed ingredients, supplements, and efficiency. Additionally, this review analyzes the re-utilization of organic residues for A. oryzae cultivation and examines the effects of adding fungal extracts to ruminant feed on ruminal digestibility and animal performance, all within a circular bioeconomy framework.