POSSIBLE MICROBIAL UTILIZATION OF SAGO PROCESSING WASTES

The nutrient content of sago pith and subsequently sago hampas is very low, the bulk being crude fibres and some starch attached to the hamp as. The protein content is about 0.6-0.7%, which is unfavourable for m ost animals. The fibre content of sago hampas is about 12%. Fungal tre atment of sago hampas seems possible. Fungi can grow rapidly and are a ble to utilise complex carbohydrates such as starch and lipocellulose. An important area of research into the utilization of sago hampas wou ld be to find suitable, palatable, non-toxic, high protein-containing and rapidly-growing fungi to grow on and utilize the sago hampas. The hampas could be supplemented prior to inoculation with different and e conomically viable sources of nitrogen available around the factory ar ea. Microbial utilization could result in the production of biomass as quality animal feed supplements.