Justin Waggoner, Ph.D., Beef Systems Specialist, Garden City
Cattle producers often utilize crop residues such as wheat straw to sustain cows during drought conditions. However, the use of these forages is often limited by their low nutrient content and digestibility. The feeding value (crude protein, and dry matter digestibility) of straw may be enhanced by treating straw with anhydrous ammonia. Traditionally, a 3% application of anhydrous ammonia (dry weight) has been recommended (60 lbs anhydrous ammonia/dry ton hay). However, research conducted a K-State demonstrated that lower application rates (1.5% dry weight or 30lbs anhydrous ammonia/dry ton hay) produced proportionally greater improvements in both crude protein and in-vitro dry matter digestibility. Continue reading “Consider Application Rates and Costs Before Ammoniating Wheat Straw”
