Bagasse is a mixture. So what are its main components?
In fact, bagasse is the residue left over from the sugarcane sugar extraction process. It is coarse in texture and accounts for approximately 24% to 27% of the total sugarcane mass (with a moisture content of about 50%). For every ton of sugarcane sugar produced, 2 to 3 tons of bagasse are generated. Preliminary analysis of wet bagasse shows that it is rich in cellulose and has a relatively low lignin content, giving it significant advantages as a fiber raw material.
However, bagasse is low in protein and energy, so it can only be fed to animals in small amounts, and must be mixed with protein feed and energy feed. Adding non-protein nitrogen fertilizers such as urea and molasses to bagasse can improve its effectiveness as feed for ruminants.
Bagasse is generally harmless to humans. However, for individuals who are very thin or have little abdominal fat, consuming it may trigger sudden health issues such as constipation, intestinal obstruction, or appendicitis. Furthermore, bagasse has little nutritional value and contains only a small amount of crude fiber. Eating too little may have a mild laxative effect, while eating too much can be counterproductive. Therefore, it is not advisable to swallow bagasse casually, and children in particular should be prevented from swallowing sugarcane residue, as it can be very harmful to their health. When children eat sugarcane, it is best for a parent to be present.