LAUSR

Abstract Recently, there has been a noticeable growth in interest in the potential of edible mushrooms and their application in prevention and therapy. The numerous health-promoting properties of edible mushrooms include: antioxidant, immunostimulatory, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral and hypocholesterolemic properties. Considering such a broad spectrum of action, and based on the recent literature data, the use of mushrooms is justified in the feeding of farm animals, including poultry. The aim of this review paper is to present the current state of knowledge concerning the use of edible mushrooms as a feed additive with dietary and health-promoting activities in the nutrition of broiler chickens and laying hens. Based on the results of studies presented in this article, it can be concluded that many mushroom species e.g. Lentinula edodes, Agaricus bisporus, Agaricus blazei , Hericium caput-medusae, Pleurotus ostreatus, Pleurotus eryngii, Fomitella fraxinea , Flammulina velutipes, Ganoderma lucidum , Cordyceps inensis and Cordyceps militaris can be the source of active substances that might positively affect poultry performance and health status.