Alder sawdust

Proximate analysis of alder sawdust Protein (NX 6.25) = 1.84% Acid-detergent ... 

Table V. In vivo Digestibility of Nutrients by Wethers Fed Different Levels of Alder Sawdust...

In view of the encouraging results obtained by feeding alder sawdust to beef cattle, as was reported earlier, it seemed worthwhile to develop methods of treatment mat would make the cellulose in low quality roughages more available to rumen microorganisms. In order to assess the merits of various physical and chemical treatments of wood and wood by-products, in vitro rumen fermentation tests were conducted and the extent of availability of nutrients to the microorganisms studied. 

The sonicated cell fraction from cellulose enrichment cultures was used to study enzymic hydrolysis of cellulose in alder sawdust subjected to gamma irradiation. 

The amount of reducing sugars formed from alder sawdust by the activity of CFE of rumen microorganisms increase with increasing levels of gamma irradiation up to a dosage of 1.46 X 108 rads. (Table X). The results parallel very closely those obtained with in vitro fermentation tests on hemlock sawdust (Figure 1). 

Table X. Effect of Gamma Irradiation on the Degradation of Alder Sawdust by CFE Prepared from Enrichment Cultures of Rumen Microorganisms...

Plate 16 Psilocybe cyanescens mycelium running through moist alder sawdust. 

Grey alder wood specimens were prepared in the shape of blocks measuring 2> 2x2 cm. The chosen amount of catalyst solution was soaked into wood and the specimens dried at ambient temperature to the moisture content 7 to 8%. An electrically heated therrooicactor was used The heating rate was 3 to 4 C/min, the maximum temperature SOO to 320°C. To pyrolyse the sawdust and chips under isothermal conditions at the thermoreactor wall temperature S50°C, a pilot scale thermoreactor equipped with a two paddle rotating stiirer was used (11). Analyses of the volatile condensable wood thermodestruction products were done by using spectrophotometric methods developed at our l ratoiy (8). 

Alternative fruiting substrates include alder or oak sawdust and bran mixed 4 1 with a moisture content of 60% and sterilized at 1 5 psi for 1 -1 Vz hours. Fortified rye grass straw has also been used as a sterile fruiting medium. (See Chapter III). 

Method of Preparation Branches and other small diameter wood are chipped into 1-3 inch pieces, preferably in the spring when the sap content is highest. This material is spawned with sawdust/bran (4 1) and made into prepared beds outdoors amongst ornamental shade plants (especially rhododendrons) or tall grass. Another method is to use sawdust/bran or rye grain spawn to inoculate soaked corrugated cardboard. When fully colonized, sheets of cardboard are laid at the bottom of trays which are Then covered with a 2-4 inch layer of freshly cut alder chips. (Wood chips are far superior to sawdust as a fruiting substrate). 

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