For efficient use of unused roughage resources, the effect of slaked lime treatment of rice hulls on their nutritive value was studied. Air-dried rice hulls were treated with the equal weight of l% slaked lime solution for 7 days at ordinary room temperature. By this treatment, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) decreased by about 6%, and acid detergent fiber (ADF) by about 3%, while non cell-wall material and acid detergent solubles increased. Contents of lignin and silica were not affected by the treatment. In vitro dry matter digestibility increased but only slightly, probably because slaked lime treatment had little effect on the concentrations and forms of lignin and silica, the major factors limiting digestibility. Futher investigation is required for more effective treatment of rice hulls.
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