ABSTRACT

The effect of processing methods on the chemical composition, in vitro gas volume, and dry matter digestibility and post in vitro fermentation characteristics of palm press fibre (PPF) was investigated. Samples were collected from Nigeria Institute for Oil palm Research (NIFOR) and Egor oil palm mill in Benin City. Samples were oven dried to constant temperature. Chemical analysis and in-vitro fermentations characteristics PPF were done using standard procedures. Data collected were analysed using GLM procedure of SAS and means separation was done using Duncan Multiple Range Test.

Results of the study showed that processing method significantly (P< 0.05) affected CF, ash and NDF control. Crude protein (8.02%), ADF (46.43%) and hemicellulose (22.17%) were higher for NIFOR and lower for Local mill (7.62, 42.13 and 22.16 respectively). Gas production was not significantly affected by processing methods but there was gradual increase in volume over the period of incubation. Post in vitro gas production parameters were not significantly affected by processing methods. It was concluded that processing methods affected certain chemical compositor and recommended that PPF cannot be fed solely because of its poor nutritive value.