International Journal of Recycling of Organic Waste in Agriculture (IJROWA) Biochemical characterization of solid state fermented maize cob (Zea mays) using Rhizopus oligosporusand its application in poultry feed production Volume 12 (2023) Issue 2, April 2023 2023 11 17 Biochemical characterization of solid state fermented maize cob (Zea mays) using Rhizopus oligosporusand its application in poultry feed production 10.30486/ijrowa.2022.1939020.1323 EN Amaka Ndego Department of Biochemistry, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria Theresa Ezedom Department of Medical Biochemistry, Delta State University, Nigeria 0000-0002-3942-923X Egoamaka Oliseneku Egbune Department of Biochemistry, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria 0000-0002-5526-6397 Nyerhovwo Tonukari Department of Biochemistry, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria Journal Article 2023 11 17 Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the biochemical characterization of solid state fermented maize (Zea mays) cob and its use in poultry feed production. Method Solid state fermentation was carried out at room temperature for 72 hours using Rhizopus oligosporus inoculum with a well prepared phosphate buffer (50 mM , pH 6). Results Results showed a significant (p< 0.05) increase in glucose and decrease in sugars and soluble proteins concentration in the R. oligosporus fermented maize cob. At 10% inoculum, the highest concentrations of glucose, reduced sugars and soluble proteins were 1.15±0.21, 45.7±0.6 and 12.9±0.3 mg g-1, respectively. Similarly, the total phenol, flavonoid content and antioxidant activity of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and amylase activity of maize cob increased significantly (p < 0.05) with fermentation. Broiler chickens fed with fermented maize cob of 10% inoculum had the same weight gain as the control (1.4±0.1kg). Fermentation did not induce a significant difference (p<0.05) in the activities of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Conclusion The observed increase in proteins and sugars in the fermented products suggests their suitability as excellent components for animal feed production. Thus, the livestock feed formulation industries might benefit from the usage of fermented maize cob as a raw material in animal feeds as well as a protein fortifier. Highlights SSF of maize cob using R. oligosporus improved the glucose, reducing sugars and soluble proteins concentration. SSF of maize cob using R. oligosporus increased the antioxidant capacities of maize cob. R. oligosporus optimized the secretion of α-amylase during the SSF of maize cob at 15% inoculum. Fermented maize cob with a 10% inoculum of R. oligosporus is an excellent component for poultry feed production. Fermented maize cob diet poses no threat to the liver or physiological damages in the birds.