The Composition of Crude Fibre

Abstract

The crude-fibre determination is misleading, because the fraction obtained does not bear any definite relationship to the structural constituents of the material. The cellulose is partially attacked, and lignin extensively removed. Considerable variation is found in the lignin content of crude-fibre fractions. Highly lignified materials do not necessarily yield a crude fibre high in lignin.Since the presence of lignin exercises a direct effect on the digestibility of the material, any empirical method should include all the lignin, and alkaline treatment must be avoided. Acid hydrolysis may be a possible alternative method, if a correction for protein be made in the case of materials high in nitrogen, and a determination of the lignin content made.