Chemical constitution, properties and processing of lignocellulosic wastes in relation to nutritional quality for animals

Methods are reviewed for the determination of the constituents of the plant cell wall together with factors that are believed to affect its biodegradability; these factors include lignin and other phenolic constituents, silica, the crystallinity of cellulose and cell wall type. Attention is also given to the measurement of the biodegradability of the cell wall including its rate of degradation. The modification of cereal straws and other lignocellulosic wastes by various treatments is discussed in relation to the production of materials suitable as components of feeds for ruminants. The possible occurence of undesirable chemical reactions during processing is also considered.