A study was carried out to determine the effect of fungal treatment of rice (Oryza sativa) husk on its physical properties and secondary metabolites/potential anti-nutrients using Rhizopus oligosporus fungus. Properties studied were particle size, water solubility, ethanol solubility, water absorption capacity and biomass loss. Secondary metabolites studied include saponins, tannins, phytates and phenols. The rice husk was divided into two (2) treatments each of which was replicated thrice. Data collected was subjected to student T-test. The findings of the study revealed that there were variations between the untreated and treated rice husk. It was concluded that fungal treatment of rice husk using R. oligosporus improved its nutritional value thus making RoTRH a potential valuable feedstuff.

Keywords: Rhizopus oligosporus, functional properties, secondary metabolites