Physical characteristics of Erianthus arundinaceus as a bedding material for broiler. (1st May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ishida, Tetsuya; Ohara, Satoshi; Sasaki, Yosuke; Shirai, Takeshi; Terajima, Yoshifumi; Sugimoto, Akira; Kawashima, Tomoyuki
• Is Part Of: Grassland science. Volume 68:Number 1(2022)
• Page Start: 44
• Page End: 52
• Publication Date: 2021-05-01
• Subjects: bedding material -- cushioning property -- Erianthus arundinaceus -- water absorbability -- water‐holding capacity; Grasslands -- Periodicals; Grasslands -- Management -- Periodicals; 578.74
• DOI: 10.1111/grs.12333
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1744-6961

Abstract

Abstract: This study was conducted to evaluate the physical characteristics of the biomass crop Erianthus arundinaceus as a bedding material for broiler and to compare it with existing bedding materials. Three physical characteristics were evaluated: the water absorbability, the water‐holding capacity, and the cushioning property. E . arundinaceus, shredded to five different particle sizes, was compared with sawdust, which is a typical bedding material used worldwide, and three alternatives: recycled paper, rice husks, and bagasse. E . arundinaceus absorbed water 5.0 to 10.2 times its weight, and water absorbability increased with decreasing particle size. E . arundinaceus held water around twice its weight regardless of the particle size. The cushioning property of E . arundinaceus tended to improve with increasing particle size. For each physical property, the total average value of the E . arundinaceus samples was compared with the values of other bedding materials. The water absorbability of E . arundinaceus was significantly higher than that of sawdust, recycled paper, and rice husks ( p < .01). The water‐holding capacity of E . arundinaceus was significantly higher than those of sawdust, recycled paper, rice husks ( p < .01), and bagasse ( p < .05). The cushioning property of E . arundinaceus was significantly higher than those of sawdust and recycled paper ( p < .01). When E . arundinaceus had an average particle size of less than 2.33 mm, it exceeded sawdust in all physical characteristics, suggesting that E . arundinaceus could replace sawdust as a favored bedding material. Our observations of surface structures revealed that the stem pith of E . arundinaceus has a spongy structure, which may contribute to its high water absorbability and water‐holding capacity. Moreover, the outermost layer of the E . arundinaceus stem appears to function like a leaf spring, contributing to the high cushioning property.