Can processing improve the quality of the straw?
Processing does not improve quality but can increase the daily straw intake. However, to prevent malnutrition, impaction, poor conception rates and lower milk production you need to supply adequate amounts of energy, protein, minerals and vitamins. Treating straw with anhydrous ammonia is one way to improve its crude protein content and digestibility. In a study conducted by Manitoba Agriculture and Food, the crude protein content of barley straw went from 5.1 to 9.4% crude protein when anhydrous ammonia was applied at 3% of the forage dry matter.
