Effects of ensilage on the preservation of bamboo shoot shells and their fibre Characteristics

Bamboo shoot shells (BSS) can be used as feedstock for the production of natural fibre. The purpose of this study was to preserve BSS in ensilage for further application as fibrous material. Lower silage pH and higher concentrations of dry matter and protein were found in the treatments with addition of cellulase and hemicellulase, and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) than in the control with no additives. The LAB treatment was most effective resulting in the highest concentration of total organic acids and lowest concentration of ammonia nitrogen. The structural changes in ensilaged fibres with LAB treatment were analysed and compared with untreated fresh BSS fibres using infrared spectrometer, X-ray diffraction and thermal analysis system techniques. Infrared spectrometer analysis demonstrated changes in the content of cellulosic components in the ensilaged fibres. X-ray diffraction analysis showed increase in the crystallinity of the ensilaged fibres. The thermal stability of the ensilaged fibres was improved, with slight shift of the maximum decomposition rate under higher temperature, from 320 to 327 °C. The beneficial characteristics of BSS fibres imply that ensilage can potentially be used as an effective storage method, which is essential for commercial production of high value fibrous materials.