| Abstract: | Changes in chemical composition and digestibility of peanut hulls after a variety of thermochemical treatments were monitored. Mineral acids and base under elevated temperature (121°C) were generally ineffective for decreasing the fibrous, lignocellulosic component of the hulls. Only nitric acid-treatment effectively decreased the relative lignin content of the hulls. The lignin:nitrogen ratio and carbohydrate content of treated hulls were both highly correlated with in-vitro digestibility. Overall, thermochemical treatments did not increase the digestibility of peanut hulls. |
