UTILIZATION OF AGRO-RESOURCES BY RADIATION TREATMENT - PRODUCTION OF ANIMAL FEED AND MUSHROOM FROM OIL PALM WASTES

The production of animal feeds and mushrooms from oil palm cellulosic wastes by radiation and fermentation has been investigated in order to utilize the agro-resources and to reduce the smoke pollution. The pro cess is as follows: decontamination of microorganisms in fermentation media of empty fruit bunch of oil palm (EFB) by irradiation, inoculati on of useful fungi, and subsequently production of proteins and edible mushrooms. The dose of 25 kGy was required for the sterilization of c ontaminating bacteria whereas the dose of 10 kGy was enough to elimina te the fungi. Among many kinds of fungi tested, C cinereus and P sajor -caju were selected as the most suitable microorganism for the ferment ation of EFB. The protein content of the product increased to 13% and the crude fiber content decreased to 20% after 30 days of incubation w ith C. cinereus at 30-degrees-C in solid state fermentation. P sajor-c aju was suitable for the mushroom production on EFB with rice bran.