Utilización de subproductos de la industria tequilera. Parte 4. Biodegradación del intestino grueso de cerdos con bagazo de agave húmedo

This study investigated the effectiveness of composting swine large intestines and wet agave bagasse using a layering method. This is a modified static-pile method that avoids the need to mix the initial raw materials by piling alternate layers of swine large intestines and wet agave bagasse as a bulking agent. Temperature profiles were monitored to assess the progress of the composting process. The quality of the compost after 102 days was evaluated on the basis of chemical and microbial analyses and germination, initial plant growth and root development studies of Lycopersicum esculentum and Beta vulgaris seeds. The results indicate that within a ratio of 100 kg swine large intestines per 150 kg wet agave bagasse, thermophilic conditions were attained, and the intestines were completely composted. After composting, the material had an earthy smell with a dark brown color and was relatively dry (22% dry matter). Based on the initial weight of raw materials and the final weight of the compost, there was a 56% decrease. No Escherichia coli, Shigella sp, Salmonella sp, neither total or fecal coliforms were detected after composting. Water extracts from composted swine large intestines reduced the percentage of germination of Lycopersicum esculentum seeds. However Beta vulgaris seeds were not inhibited as shown on germination, initial plant growth and root development studies. This research has shown that swine large intestines can be composted with wet agave bagasse on farm conditions without difficulty. In the same respect, composting can be a better alternative to traditional methods of disposal such as rendering and landfilling