Abstract
A three-factor, three-level optimization design was implemented at moderate temperatures (average = 40 °C) to investigate the impact of the three independent variables, namely both sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and lime (Ca(OH)2) loadings, and a residence reaction time, on the response variable, in vitro cumulative gas production at 24 h from date palm (Phoenix dactilifera L.) leaves. Statistical analysis revealed significant influence (p < 0.0001) of the three independent variables as well as an interaction effect (p = 0.0120) of sodium hydroxide loading and lime loading on the response variable. Under the optimal pretreatment conditions (sodium hydroxide loading of 0.06 g NaOH/g dry biomass, lime loading of 0.09 g Ca(OH)2/g dry biomass, and residence time of 71.4 h), the amount of cumulative gas production after 24 h was 101.4 mL gas/g organic matter, versus 104.6 mL gas/g organic matter for the predicted value. Scanning electron microscope studies showed formation of apertures and cracks on the surface of the substrate pretreated under the optimal conditions. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis confirmed the saponifying and delignifying effect of combined alkaline pretreatment on date palm leaves. The results of present study hold a promise of a low-cost on-farm pretreatment method to reduce the recalcitrance of date palm leaves for ruminant feeding, particularly suitable for tropical climates.
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