Defatted rice bran and wheat bran were subjected to solid-state fermentation by the fungi Rhizopus sp. and Aspergillus oryzae to increase their nutritional value, especially their protein content. The fermented bran was analyzed to determine the protein, total amino acids, digestible amino acids and disposable methionine content. The highest increase in protein content in fermented bran occurred with the use of Rhizopus sp., while total amino acids, digestible amino acids and available methionine increased with both fungi. After 72 hours of fermentation the chemical score varied from 37.5 to 54.3%.
reuse of by-products; biological availability of nutrients; fungal biomass
