Fermented straw as a complete basal ration for ruminants

Abstract

Urea and wheat straw moistened to 70% was stacked in the open for 12 or 9 days' natural fermentation. The urea was added at the rate of 4% on a dry straw basis. The fermentation was carried out by turning the stacks at 3- or 6-day intervals, or the stacks were not turned for the entire periods. About 84% to 87% was degraded during the fermentation, resulting in microbial-protein enrichment of the treated straw. A high stack temperature developed (65°C to 73°C) and the ammonia released penetrated the cell wall sufficiently to loosen the ligno-cellulose bonds. The microbes utilized hemicellulose and cellulose, without effecting the lignin content.

The daily dry matter intake (7·96kg) during a 4-month acceptability trial, using 12 day fermented straw with 2·0 kg fresh green fodder and minerals, showed the straw was palatable and was able to maintain the six adult buffaloes without affecting their body weight or health. Further metabolic trials with the different straw preparations showed that digestibilities of DM, OM, CF and cellulose, and N retention, were significantly (P < 0·01) improved in 9 day fermented straw as compared with the other straw preparations.

The results showed that, by 9 days' fermentation of wheat straw, the cellulose digestibility and apparent biological value were improved to the extent that fermented straw supplemented with adequate vitamins and minerals could be used as a sole maintenance ration for ruminants.