The heat diffusivity of alfalfa was measured in the 30 to 80% w.b. moisture content and 200 to 500 kg/m3 (12.5 to 31.25 lb/ft3) bulk density range using the plane heat source method. Heat conductivity was subsequently estimated from this data. The objective of gathering this information was to establish the conductive thermal properties of alfalfa to assist in the design of a machine to heat alfalfa from ambient to 80 degrees C (176 degrees F). Such a device, if used directly after cutting and prior to ensiling, has the potential to prevent proteolysis (degradation of plant protein nitrogen to non-protein nitrogen) and thereby increase the feed value of the fodder. A multiple regression model accounting for 73% of the variation was fitted to the data. At high moisture contents, thermal diffusivity and conductivity are increased with increasing density while at the lower end of the moisture content range, changes in density did not significantly effect diffusivity and conductivity.
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