Ammoniation of straw and chaff
     It is recommended to leave the straw on the land especially in the brown and dark brown soil zones, and collect chaff for feed. Straw left on the land preserves soil tilth and helps prevent erosion. When a producer is faced with a feed shortage, he must decide whether to remove the straw for feed or look for more feed elsewhere. Ammonization is a method of treating low-quality hay and crop residues such as straw and chaff to improve their nutrition value as feeds for ruminant animals. The method involves sealing the residue or hay in a gas-tight enclosure and adding anhydrous liquid ammonia supplied by fertilizer dealers. After 21 days, the chemical reaction is complete. Ammonization improves feeding quality by increasing the amount of digestible energy (TDN) in the residue, the amount of roughage the animal will consume, and the crude protein equivalent (CP). No problems have been reported with the feeding of ammoniated feeds. No abortions, significantly lightweight calves or reproductive problems have been associated with ammonization. No incidents of impaction should occur provided the total energy intake is adequate. Ammonization of straw or chaff reduces grain requirements, but does not eliminate it.

     Sampling prior to ammonization - Straw or chaff intended for ammoniating should contain at least 12 per cent moisture, preferably 15 to 20 percent. The feeding quality of straw or chaff should be as follows: wheat straw should have a TDN of at least 33 per cent and barley straw a TDN of at least 38 per cent. To assure that the moisture content and feeding quality of your straw or chaff are adequate for ammonization, submit a representative sample for analysis. Combine small amounts of straw taken from different parts of the field or the stack so the analysis will truly represent your material. Your agricultural representative and livestock specialist have the equipment required to sample your residue properly.

     When to ammoniate - A minimum moisture level of 12 per cent is necessary for efficient ammonization. This can be achieved by baling early in the morning after a heavy dew or by baling as soon as possible after a rainfall. Usually chaff collected from combining a swathed cereal crop is very dry, containing 8-10 per cent moisture. The moisture content must be increased to 15-20 per cent, or a satisfactory improvement indigestibility may not be obtained.