Potential for Steamed Wood as a Feed for Ruminants

Dry matter digestibility of woods (balsam fir, black spruce, eastern hemlock, beech, sugar maple, white birch, white elm, white oak, and white ash) that had been subjected to various treatments was estimated in vitro. The influence of the following factors was determined: 1) particle size, 2) heat (dry and moist), with, or without swelling agents, 3) delignification, 4) extractives, 5) acid liberated on steaming. Results show that it is possible to increase the in vitro digestibility of hardwoods to a level comparable with that of medium grade hay by simple inexpensive steaming treatments. The material becomes friable and can be readily ground to a powder which lends itself to incorporation into standard diets. Treatments have also been carried out with coniferous species, but so far not much progress has been made in increasing their digestibility.

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