Nutritive Valorisation of Banana Tree (Musa acuminata) By-Products with Different Levels of Sodium Hydroxide

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of treatment with sodium hydroxide on the nutritional value of banana (Musa acuminata) trees to see if they can be used as a source of fibre for ruminants since there is large banana production and consequently some waste. The samples were collected and dried in an oven with a controlled air flow. They were then sprinkled with a sodium hydroxide solution (2, 4, 6 and 8% of dry matter) and placed in a suitable container. The chemical properties were analysed. The results show that sodium hydroxide treatment leads to a significant decrease in neutral fibre and acid lignin contents in both leaves and pseudostems. A significant (p < 0.05) increase was observed in ash, and digestibility values were lower in leaves, confirming the values for neutral detergent fibres. The total amount of gas produced was measured after 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h of incubation. The results showed that the gas production in the leaves was lower in all treatments compared to the pseudostem, which was consistent with the digestibility results. Analysis of the results showed that the best NaOH concentration to improve the nutritional value of M. acuminata was 6 and 8%.