Straw can be processed to improve its feeding value for livestock. The lower part of the straw should be cut to remove any rough or coarse sections, while the top portion can be trimmed to a length of 3–4 cm for optimal feeding results. This method can increase daily feed intake by approximately 2% compared to regular hay.
When chopped straw is mixed with concentrate feed, it enhances both feed consumption and digestibility. However, over-chopping or cutting the roughage too short reduces chewing and rumination time, which in turn decreases saliva production and the time feed remains in the rumen. This can negatively affect the balance of volatile fatty acids (acetic to propionic acid ratio), rumen pH, and milk fat content, all of which are important for cow health and milk production. Long roughage, on the other hand, helps maintain the structure of the rumen contents and stimulates proper rumen function, including motility, rumination, and salivation. Therefore, at least one-third of the diet should consist of long roughage (2–5 cm in length) to support these essential processes.
To improve palatability, shredded roughage or straw can be soaked in water or a 0.2% saline solution for 24 hours to soften it. After soaking, mix it with a grain mixture or bran to enhance taste and encourage higher feed intake.
Alkaline treatment involves cutting the straw into 3–4 cm pieces and evenly spraying them with a 1.6% sodium hydroxide solution. Once moistened, the straw is left to sit for a few days before being fed directly to animals.
In the calcification method, straw is soaked in a lime solution—either 1% quicklime or 3% slaked lime. For every 100 kg of lime milk, about 8–10 kg of straw is used. After 12–24 hours, the straw is ready to be fed. Alternatively, 100 kg of chopped straw can be mixed with 3 kg of quicklime or 4 kg of slaked lime, along with 0.5–1.0 kg of salt and 200–250 kg of water. The mixture is placed on the ground or a board and left for 24–36 hours before being fed to cattle.
Ammonia treatment is another effective method. First, adjust the moisture content of the straw to 30–40%, then use a plastic pipe placed 0.5 m high to introduce anhydrous ammonia. Cover the straw with a 0.5 mm thick plastic film and seal it. The duration depends on the ambient temperature: 2–4 weeks at 2°C. After opening, the straw is dried and fed once the ammonia has dissipated.
For the second type of ammonia treatment, short straw is piled in a pit or cellar. A 3% concentrated ammonia solution is sprayed evenly onto the straw in a 1:1 ratio of straw weight. Once the pit is filled, it is covered and sealed. The sealing time varies: 8 weeks if the temperature is below 5°C, 4–8 weeks between 5–15°C, 1–4 weeks between 15–30°C, and just 1 week if the temperature is above 30°C. Afterward, the straw is dried and fed. Ammoniation increases the protein content of roughage by 4–6%, boosts daily feed intake by 16–60% per animal, and improves organic matter digestibility. However, a major drawback is that about two-thirds of the ammonia is lost when the pit is opened.
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