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In México, the utilization of fast-growing plant species for biomass production presents transportation-related issues such as freshness reduction, the transportation of large volumes with minimal weight due to low density, limited storage availability, and logistical challenges. To enhance understanding in this field, the research aimed to evaluate the densification potential of a variety of organic materials, with a specific emphasis on the biomass derived from eight species of rapidly growing plants, three animal species' manure, and concentrated feed. After conditioning, 100 g samples underwent particle size analysis and were categorized into seven sizes. Pellets and briquettes (40 g, 10% moisture, 15 MPa pressure, 5 min processing, 80 °C temperature) were produced and evaluated for bulk density (BD) and pellet (PD) and briquette durability (BDU). The predominant particle sizes were 0.850 mm and 0.425 mm. Original biomass bulk density (OBBD) varied notably, with ovine manure (0.50 g cm−3) and cattle feed (0.49 g cm−3) exhibiting the highest values. Caprine manure (0.83 g cm−3) and ovine manure (0.78 g cm−3) yielded the densest pellets at 1.76 and 1.84 g cm−3, respectively. Apple tree pellets achieved premium quality with the highest hardness (97.9%). Cattle manure (1.25 g cm−3) and cattle feed (1.25 g cm−3) had the densest briquettes, with notable BBD/OBBD ratios in pine sawdust (4.6) and corn (4.5). Caprine manure and Acacia biomass briquettes showed premium quality with the highest hardness (99.1%), emphasizing densification variations and the need for tailored approaches based on organic material characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective was to evaluate forage yield and quality in maralfalfa (Pennisetum sp.) cultivated in Durango. The experiment arrangement was a completely randomized design with six replications. Sampling occurred at 73, 86, 100 and 114 days after initial irrigation (DAII). Data was recorded for fresh (FF) and dry forage yield (DF), crude protein (CP), neutral (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF), hemicellulose (HE), cellulose (CE), lignin, in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), relative feed value (RFV), relative forage quality (RFQ) and in vitro gas production (GP). Highest yield for FF (232.5 t ha-1) and DF (39.0 t ha-1) was obtained 100 DAII. A higher proportion of CP (9.1%) was registered 73 DAII, while higher NDF (76.3%), ADF (51.7%) and CE (42.6%) and lower IVDMD (50.3%) at 114 DAII. To balance between yield and quality, maralfalfa forage should be harvested around 80 DAII. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]