Agriculture or forestry lignocellulose, including millions of tons of yearly waste, is a large potential source of improved animal feeds. However, most of these lignocellulose materials have low digestibility for ruminants and, consequently, low animal production potential. The purpose of this project is modification of various lignocellulose materials for their usage as high-digestible ruminant feed. OBJECTIVES: The overall objective for Phase I of this project is to demonstrate a scale down device for lignocellulose electrochemical modification and optimize conditions of this treatment process. The modified material is supposed to have lower molecular weight and lignin content to be more digestible for ruminant. APPROACH: In this project, a novel, low cost method is proposed in order to modify the lignocellulose into higher digestible material by reducing its molecular weight, crystallinity and lignification. Treating reagent will be generated in-situ and self-decomposed immediately after reaction in non-hazardous compounds
