Spent mushroom substrate influences elk (cervus elaphus canadensis) hematological and serum biochemical parameters

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of spent mushroom substrate (SMS) derived from Pleurotus eryngii on the hematological and biochemical blood properties of elk. A total of 18, two and three-year-old elk were fed three different levels of SMS (0, 15 and 20%) in a corn-wheat bran diet for 80 days. The results indicated significantly high levels of blood monocytes, hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit (HCT) in elk fed 15% or 20% SMS (p<0.05) compared to control animals. Serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and glucose concentrations were also significantly elevated in elk fed both 15% and 20% SMS. The inclusion of SMS in the elk diet did not affect serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, or low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol concentrations; however, high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol concentration was significantly increased in SMS-fed groups. In addition, 20% SMS in the diet increased serum iron and testosterone concentrations in elk. These results indicate that adding SMS to the diet of elk can increase their Hgb, serum BUN, glucose, and HDL-cholesterol concentration; therefore, diets containing SMS may enhance the physiologic condition of elk during growth.