Compositional and Micro-structural Changes of Cottonseed Hull Substrate During P. ostreatus Growth and the Effects on Feed Value of the Spent Substrate

The dry matters and contents of major compositions of cottonseed hull substrate for P. ostreatus cultivation were tested at different growing stages. The micro-structures of the substrate were observed under scanning electronic microscopy(SEM). Their effects on the feed nutritional values of the spent substrate were investigated. During the whole P. ostreatus growing period, the content of protein, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and the micro-structures of the substrate were changed considerably. These contributed to the raising of the dry matter digestibility of the spent substrate, making it possibly acceptable to be used as ruminant feed with improved feed value.