Investigation of effect of particle size and rumen fluid addition on specific methane yields of high lignocellulose grass silage

Abstract

This work examines the digestion of advanced growth stage grass silage. Two variables were investigated: particle size (greater than 3cm and less than 1cm) and rumen fluid addition. Batch studies indicated particle size and rumen fluid addition had little effect on specific methane yields (SMYs). In continuous digestion of 3cm silage the SMY was 342 and 343LCH4kg−1VS, respectively, with and without rumen fluid addition. However, digester operation was significantly affected through silage floating on the liquor surface and its entanglement in the mixing system. Digestion of 1cm silage with no rumen fluid addition struggled; volatile fatty acid concentrations rose and SMYs dropped. The best case was 1cm silage with rumen fluid addition, offering higher SMYs of 371LCH4kg−1VS and stable operation throughout. Thus, physical and biological treatments benefited continuous digestion of high fibre grass silage.