Many tons of crop residues and other low-quality forages are produced in Kansas each
year. 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 enhances
their feeding value by increasing crude protein content and dry matter digestibility. In
the summer of 2012, the persistence of drought conditions throughout Kansas reduced
forage supplies and resulted in a dramatic increase in forage prices. In an effort to aid
livestock producers, the K-State Beef Extension Specialist Team, in conjunction with
the Livestock Production Program Focus Team, conducted wheat straw ammoniation
demonstrations at 6 locations across Kansas. The objectives of these demonstrations
were to: (1) demonstrate the process of using anhydrous ammonia to treat low-quality
roughages, and (2) determine if the recommended rate of 3% anhydrous ammonia
application (dry weight) could be decreased as a cost-saving measure. The effects of two
anhydrous ammonia application rates (1.5 and 3.0% dry matter weight of stack, equivalent
to 30 or 60 lb anhydrous ammonia/ton of dry forage) on subsequent forage quality
and digestibility were evaluated.
