Utilization of byproducts from the tequila industry: Part 1: Agave bagasse as a raw material for animal feeding and fiberboard production

Abstract

Agave bagasse was successfully separated into fractions that were used in sheep feeding trials. Agave bagasse can be substituted for corn stubble in the sheep's diet which resulted in improved weight gain. Agave bagasse was also processed into long and short fiber fractions with a hammermill and fiberboards of medium and high specific gravities being produced. Medium specific gravity agave fiberboards had moisture and mechanical properties comparable to medium specific gravity fiberboards made using aspen fiber. All high specific gravity agave fiberboards made from short or long fibers were stronger in bending than the ANSI standard for hardboards. Copyright (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd.Agave bagasse was successfully separated into fractions that were used in sheep feeding trials. Agave bagasse can be substituted for corn stubble in the sheep's diet which resulted in improved weight gain. Agave bagasse was also processed into long and short fiber fractions with a hammermill and fiberboards of medium and high specific gravities being produced. Medium specific gravity agave fiberboards had moisture and mechanical properties comparable to medium specific gravity fiberboards made using aspen fiber. All high specific gravity agave fiberboards made from short or long fibers were stronger in bending than the ANSI standard for hardboards.