Ammoniated alkaline barley as a raw material in concentrates fed rumen cannulated Norwegian Red dairy cows: a pilot study evaluating effects on rumen pH and digestibility

摘要

Sustainable milk- and meat production based on a high degree of self-sufficiency and local feed resources is a prioritized political goal in Norway. However, in 2015, 95% of the protein- and 27% of the carbohydrate raw materials used in concentrates to land based production animals were imported. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a novel raw material, based on locally produced ammoniated alkaline barley, in concentrates to dairy cows on rumen pH and total tract digestibility. Ammoniated alkaline barley is produced by mixing mature, whole grain and Home nDry? pellets. The mix is stored under plastic for three weeks while a chemical process takes place and ammonia is released. The treatment results in an alkaline, nitrogen-enriched product that can be used as a raw material in concentrates for ruminants.