ANHYDROUS AMMONIA TREATMENT OF CROP RESIDUE AND HIGH-MOISTURE CORN
Abstract
A series of trials were conducted to evaluate the effect of anhydrous ammonia treatment (2.0 to 3.0% of dry matter) upon the nutritive value of cornstalks and upon the composition and utilization of fiber and nitrogen in cornstalks by beef cattle. Isonitrogenous treatments were: (1) ammoniated stalks plus corn supplement; or untreated stalks with either (2) soybean meal supplement or (3) urea supplement. A fourth treatment, untreated stalks and corn supplement, served as negative nitrogen control. Dry matter digestibility and dry matter intake of stalks were increased (P < .05) 9.8 and 30%, respectively by ammoniation. Cows receiving ammoniated stalks gained weight whereas those receiving other diets lost considerable weight. Ammoniation partially solubilized acid detergent fiber, hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin. Apparent digestion of neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, hemicellulose and cellulose were increased (P < .05) 23.8, 18.2, 33.2 and 17.9%, respectively, by ammoniation. Apparent nitrogen absorption from ammoniated stalks (66.8%) was less (P < .05) than from untreated stalks supplemented with soybean meal (72.7%) or urea (77.9%). Nitrogen retained as a percent of intake was not different (P > .10) for the three isonitrogenous diets. Ammoniation improved the feeding value of cornstalks by the solubilization of fiber components and an improvement in their apparent digestion. A second series of trials were conducted to evaluate the effect of anhydrous ammonia treatment (3.0% of dry matter) of wheat straw upon its nutritive value for beef cattle. Treatments were (1) ammoniated straw plus corn supplement and (2) untreated straw plus soybean meal supplement. Cows receiving ammoniated straw lost less weight during a 90 day trial (-7.2 vs. -40.7 kg). Daily dry matter intake was increased (P < .05) 29.5% by ammoniation. The demonstrated procedure was effective in improving the nutritive value of wheat straw. A third series of trials were conducted to evaluate the nutritive value of high-moisture corn and corn silage treated with anhydrous ammonia (.50 to .75% of dry matter). Ammoniation had no effect (P > .10) upon dry matter digestibility, dry matter intake, nitrogen retained as a percent of intake or weight gain when fed to feedlot cattle. Under the conditions of these trials, ammoniated corn and(or) silage were effective supplemental nitrogen sources for finishing beef cattle.
Degree
Ph.D.
Subject Area
Livestock
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