LAUSR

Abstract.Research on the utilization of by-products for alternative feed production has been undertaken to reduce the cost of breeding livestock especially in East Asia where there is high dependency on grains. Most studies, however, have focused on their properties. By-products have a wide range of moisture content (MC). Anaerobic fermentation is usually adopted as a processing method to prevent deterioration, decomposition, and acidification during the transportation and storage processes. As a preceding study for developing a storage and fermentation system, the objective of this study was to analyze the mechanical characteristics of by-products. Geometric, physical, and rheological characteristics were examined using particle testing methods. Heat transfer coefficient and specific heat of by-products were determined using quick thermal conductivity meter. An extremely high uniformity coefficient of between 2.30 and 3.29 for the mixed by-products was recorded with a static repose angle ranging from 32.3° to 46.6°. The adhesive force increased when materials high in moisture were mixed. The heat transfer coefficient was in the range of 0.1244 to 0.2774 W/m·K and specific heat was between 307.8 and 594.3 J/g. Mechanical characteristics of by-products for the development of bioreactor were examined and reported. Keywords: By-products, Fermentation, Livestock feed, Mechanical characteristics, Storage.