Methods

Chemical analysis

Weende proximate analysis (moisture, ash, crude protein, crude fibre, crude fat, nitrogen-free extracts), Van Soest fibre detergent system (neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, acid detergent lignin), starch, reducing sugars, urea, lactic acid, calcium and phosphorus

Gas-liquid chromatography

Fermentation gas composition, volatile fatty acids profile, long-chain fatty acids profile and composition

In vitro studies

Close batch trials, semi-continuous fermentation system (rumen simulation technique - RUSITEC)