Net Energy Value of Ammoniated Wheat Straw

Abstract

Eight steers (327 kg average) were fed diets containing either nontreated or anhydrous NH3-treated wheat straw in a two-period crossover design. Intake and digestibilities of dry matter, gross energy, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and crude protein were measured by total collection. Energy losses in urine and methane were determined. Heat production was determined by indirect respiration calorimetry on steers fed both diets and after they were fasted. Ammoniation of the straw raised its N content from .49 to 1.59% (P less than .001). Dry matter (DM) intake was increased (P less than .01) by the process from 1.0 to 1.3% of body weight. Digestibility coefficients of dry matter and energy, as well as those for fiber, were increased (P less than .001) by four percentage units or more. Crude protein digestibility, however, was depressed (P less than .001) from 67.8% to 53.5% by ammoniation. Urinary energy as a percentage of gross energy intake (GEI) was reduced (P less than .05) by NH3 treatment from 4.10 to 3.74%. Methane energy was not different (P greater than .10). Metabolizable energy was improved (P less than .001) by ammoniation, increasing from 45.2 to 50.0% of GEI. Daily heat production was higher (P less than .01) for steers consuming the ammoniated straw diet, increasing from 113.7 to 125.3 kcal/wt.75), and was due to higher metabolizable energy intake (MEI) since partial efficiency of MEI used for maintenance did not differ (P greater than .10) between diets. The higher net energy value of the ammoniated wheat straw diet (1.45 vs 1.26 kcal/g DM) was due mainly to decreased fecal loss and a slight decline in urinary loss.

Evaluation of dietary strategies to reduce methane production in ruminants: A modelling approach

“…ammoniation, could also be used to reduce methane production in ruminants. Methane production predicted in the current study for untreated straw (1.7% GE; 6.1% DE) is lower than that observed by Birkelo et al (1986) for nontreated straw (5.9 % GE; 10.7% DE) and for ammoniated straw (6.5 % GE intake; 10.8% DE) diets supplemented with soybean meal. However, predicted values for ammoniated (8.3% GE intake; 12.6% DE) and supplemented straw (5.1% GE intake; 9.1% DE) diets are in the same range as those reportCan.…”

“…Moss et al (1994) recorded methane losses of 6 and 9% of GE intake and DE, respectively, for cereal straws given alone to sheep. Values of methane production reported by Birkelo et al (1986) and Moss et al (1994) were obtained from animals placed in respiration calorimetry chambers, and thus, represent the total methane produced in the rumen and the large intestine, whereas the simulated values represent the amount of methane produced solely in the rumen. These comparisons between observed and predicted values might again suggest that with untreated (non supplemented) straw a significant part of methane emitted by the animal results from the fermentation of straw in the large intestine.…”

Methane emissions from cattle

“…When regression equations were fitted to the data, 28 and 25% of the variation in methane production were related to ruminal particulate passage rate and fluid dilution rates, respectively. Ammoniation (Birkelo et al, 1986) or protein supplementation of low-quality forages will increase the methane losses proportional to the improvement in digestibility. It should be noted, however, that overall methane losses per unit of product (maintenance, lactation, or growth) would be decreased.…”

Carcinogenic 4(5)-Methylimidazole Found in Beverages, Sauces, and Caramel Colors: Chemical Properties, Analysis, and Biological Activities

“…In the 1980s, the presence and toxicity of 4(5)-MI were also recognized in ammoniated forage 85 as a result of animal feeds treated with anhydrous ammonia to improve nutritive value. 86 Thus, studies were conducted on the biological activities of 4(5)-MI associated with ammoniated forage feeds in various animals, such as cows, 75 young Holstein calves, 76 sheep, 77 goats and heifers, 78 and young lambs. 87 Most information on 4(5)-MI toxicity can be found in the reviews prepared by NTP.…”