It is essential to ensure that the crude fiber in straw is properly broken down through the action of ammonia over a specific period. The fermentation time for ammoniated straw should be adjusted based on seasonal temperature conditions. Typically, when the ambient temperature is around 20°C, the straw should be stored with ammonia for about 25 days. In winter, it's recommended to extend the storage time to more than 40 days to ensure effective treatment.
Quality assessment of ammoniated straw is primarily done through sensory evaluation. High-quality ammoniated straw has a brownish color, a distinct ammonia odor, and a soft texture. In contrast, immature straw looks similar to regular straw, lacks a strong smell, and shows minimal changes in texture. Over time, older ammoniated straw darkens and loses its ammonia scent. If the plastic covering leaks, the straw may become moldy, turning white, gray, or black, and developing a sticky or clumped texture with a foul odor. Such straw should never be used as animal feed.
Ammoniated straw should not be watered during the treatment process. The feeding method is similar to regular straw—allowing animals to eat freely. Due to its high palatability, most cattle readily consume it and can completely replace non-ammoniated straw. However, some animals may be sensitive to ammonia, so it's advisable to initially mix 1/3 to 1/2 of unammoniated straw. The proportion of ammoniated straw should generally not exceed 40% to 60% of the total forage.
Before feeding, it’s important to ventilate the ammonia gas and remove the straw from the storage pool. Allow it to cool adequately. On sunny days, airing for 10–12 hours is sufficient, while on cloudy or rainy days, it should be aired for over 24 hours. After treatment, the straw should have a mild ammonia smell without irritating the eyes or nose. Avoid drying it too much, as this could reduce its feeding value. After each use, the storage tank must be sealed tightly. Ammoniated straw can be stored for extended periods, but regular checks are needed for rodent damage, trampling, or any damage to the plastic sheeting. Any holes should be promptly repaired with tape.
Combining ammoniated straw with other feeds can enhance its energy and non-protein nitrogen content. When feeding ammoniated straw, it's important to supplement with non-degradable protein sources like soybean meal, cottonseed cake, or distillers’ grains. Including vitamin- and mineral-rich feeds helps maintain the animal’s metabolic balance.
Ammoniated straw is suitable only for ruminants such as cattle and sheep, significantly improving the utilization of straw. It is not recommended for pigs or young calves and lambs, as their rumen microbial systems are not fully developed.
Monitoring and adjustment are crucial. If signs of improper feeding appear—such as reduced or stopped rumination, excessive salivation, restlessness, trembling, or unstable gait—immediate action is needed. Stop feeding, move the animal to a well-ventilated shaded area, and administer 1 kg of vinegar, 0.5 kg of sugar, and 3–5 kg of water by gavage. These steps usually help control symptoms effectively.
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