Fungal strain and incubation period affect chemical composition and nutrient availability of wheat straw for rumen fermentation

► Some fungi are highly selective for degradation of lignin in wheat straw. ► Degradation of lignin is closely associated with hydrolysis of hemicellulose. ► Delignification alone did not improve substantially rumen fermentation of the straw. ► Some fungi had potential to improve nutritive value of the straw as a ruminant feed.