Abstract
Michigan State University researchers are investigating the use of tree production as an alternative feed source. Seeds are germinated in greenhouses and the seedlings planted outdoors in a controlled environment. Weed control and growth are being tested by comparing various plants, such as corn with cottonwood trees. The stems and leaves of the project trees are harvested every few months or, when the trees are approximately one foot high. The effects of the trees on ruminants is being tested. Harvesting trees at an early stage of growth may substantially reduce the digestion problems posed by mature trees. Lignin is lower in young trees. Lignin is impossible for ruminants to digest. The compostion and nutritive value of the biomass is analyzed. The chemical analysis determines the crude protein content, amount of fiber and the degree of lignin present. The nutritive content and its availability in young trees should be higher than that found in full grown trees. (DP)
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Claims 1
Claim · model-written summary
Young trees have lower lignin than mature trees.
Verbatim
e0“Lignin is lower in young trees”