Many tons of crop residues and other low-quality forages are produced in Kansas eachyear. Use of these forages often is limited by their low nutrient content and poor digestibility.The process of applying anhydrous ammonia to low-quality forages enhancestheir feeding value by increasing crude protein content and dry matter digestibility. Inthe summer of 2012, the persistence of drought conditions throughout Kansas reducedforage supplies and resulted in a dramatic increase in forage prices. In an effort to aidlivestock producers, the K-State Beef Extension Specialist Team, in conjunction withthe Livestock Production Program Focus Team, conducted wheat straw ammoniationdemonstrations at 6 locations across Kansas. The objectives of these demonstrationswere to: (1) demonstrate the process of using anhydrous ammonia to treat low-qualityroughages, and (2) determine if the recommended rate of 3% anhydrous ammoniaapplication (dry weight) could be decreased as a cost-saving measure. The effects of twoanhydrous ammonia application rates (1.5 and 3.0% dry matter weight of stack, equivalentto 30 or 60 lb anhydrous ammonia/ton of dry forage) on subsequent forage qualityand digestibility were evaluated.
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