EFFECT OF METHOD OF AMMONIATING WHEAT STRAW AND DETERIORATION AFTER AMMONIATION ON NUTRITIVE VALUE (ANHYDROUS, RATE DIGESTION, RUMEN TURNOVER)
Abstract
Two trials were conducted to evaluate anhydrous ammonia (NH(,3)) treatment time and subsequent deterioration during the post-treatment period (PTP) of wheat straw (WS). Crude protein (CP) and in vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD) of WS was increased (P < .05) by NH(,3) treatment. CP and IVDMD of NH(,3)-WS remained higher (P < .05) than control (C)-WS throughout the PTP but an average of 14% of the added NH(,3)-N during treatment was lost by the end of the eight week PTP. An average increase of 23.9% in IVDMD was still found after the 8 week PTP. Lignin and hemicellulose were solubilized as a result of NH(,3) treatment. There was a tendency toward a decrease in the rate of deterioration of nutritive values of NH(,3)-WS as TT increased, especially the 4 and 8 week TT as compared to C-WS. Dry matter intake (DMI) of steers fed NH(,3)-WS ad libitum (AL) was 14.3% greater (P < .05) than for those fed C-WS. particulate rumen turnover rate (RTR) was slower (P < .05) in steers fed the NH(,3)-WS at restricted intake than for the other treatments. Liquid RTR was increased (P < .05) in steers fed NH(,3)-WS compared to C-WS when fed AL. Concentrations of isobutyrate, butyrate, isovalerate and valerate were lower (P < .05) on NH(,3)-WS than C-WS diets. There was no effect of NH(,3) on the rate of digestion but extent of digestion was higher for NH(,3)-WS compared to C-WS. Results suggest that animals probably need an adjustment period longer than 9 days for the NPN in NH(,3)-WS. Two additional trials were conducted to evaluate ammoniation of WS using alternative types of ground cover (concrete, soil, plastic) and reservoirs (tank, none, tile) on treatment effectiveness and gestating beef cow performance. Crude protein and IVDMD were increased as a result of NH(,3) treatment. Forage samples taken from the outside 46 cm of bales located at the bottom of the stack retained more nitrogen (N) than samples taken from the center of bales (46 to 80 cm). Bales located at the bottom of the stack retained more N than bales located at the top. The lowest IVDMD increase and ADF decrease occurred in samples taken from the center of bales located at the top. The lowest IVDMD increase and ADF decrease occurred in samples taken from the center of bales located at the top of the stack using plastic ground cover and a tile reservoir. Cows weight change was +16.0 kg, +4.9 kg and -21.6 kg when they received NH(,3)-WS, C-WS and C-WS plus hay, respectively over an 87 day trial. Results suggest that all combinations of ground cover and reservoirs used in this study can improve the nutritive value of WS.
Degree
Ph.D.
Subject Area
Livestock
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