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A potent feed preservative candidate produced by Calcarisporium sp., an endophyte residing in stargrass ( Cynodon dactylon )
Author(s) -
Ji L.L.,
Song Y.C.,
Tan R.X.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
journal of applied microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.889
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1365-2672
pISSN - 1364-5072
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2672.2004.02157.x
Subject(s) - cynodon dactylon , endophyte , cynodon , preservative , biology , botany , agronomy , microbiology and biotechnology , food science
Aims: The cultures of an endophytic fungus Calcarisporium sp. were screened for inhibitors on the growth of feed‐associated moulds and on the aflatoxin biosynthesis to find a safe and effective feed preservative. Methods and Results: Eight test fungi were isolated from the spoiled poultry feed. The endophytic fungus Calcarisporium sp. was separated from the Chinese coastal grass Cynodon dactylon . The antifungal action concerning the endophytic culture extract (ECE) was performed with propionic acid (PPA) as the corresponding reference. The ECE had a similar antifungal efficacy to PPA in a concentration‐dependent manner. The susceptibility order of the ECE to the test fungi was found to be Fusarium sp. > Aspergillus spp. > Penicillium spp. Furthermore, the application of the ECE in pelleted‐layer duck feed as a preservative was carried out at a humidity of 10, 15 and 20%. It has been discerned that mould growth and aflatoxin biosynthesis could be co‐inhibited almost completely by ECE at concentrations higher than 1·0% (w/w). The LD 50 of the ECE on mice was shown to be higher than 28 g kg −1 . Conclusions: The ECE can be selected as an inhibitor to preserve poultry feed on inhibiting the growth of mould and aflatoxin biosynthesis during feed storage. Significance and Impact of the Study: The ECE may be an effective and biosafe antifungal ingredient for poultry feed and holds a potential market prospect in feed industry.