EC89-265 Ammonia Treatment of Low Quality Forages

Authors

Richard J. Rasby, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Ivan G. Rush, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
John Ward, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Terry Klopfenstein, Universitiy of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

1989

Document Type

Article

Comments

© 1989, The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska on behalf of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension. All rights reserved.

Abstract

Increased costs of production have caused livestock producers to reduce feed costs whenever possible. Low quality crop residues, because of their availability, receive attention and offer considerable potential for reducing feed costs for cattle producers; however, because they are low in digestibility, intake by livestock is reduced. Treatment of low quality crop residues with anhydrous ammonia improves digestibility or total digestible nutrients (TDN) and increases consumption of these forages. The positive effects of ammonia treatment on digestibility and intake of low quality forages make them a viable possibility in feeding programs.