Effect of ammoniation on nutrittve value of signal grass hay

Abstract

This work was conducted to determine the effects of ammoniation and supplementation on the nutritive value of signal grass (Brachiaria decumbens Stapt) hay. The hay was treated with anhydrous ammonia (3.0% DM) and introduced into the rations for sheep with 12.00% of CP, identified as T1 = grass hay without NH₃ + cotton seed meal; T2 = treated hay (3.0% de NH₃); T3 = treated hay (3.0% de NH₃) + corn grain meal; T4 = hay + cotton seed meal + corn grain meal. The following coefficients of digestibility were determined for T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively: DM (54.90; 55.50; 54.50; and 56.12%); NDF (51.36,; 60.20; 55.30; and 48.35%); ADF (47.36; 58.66; 56.03; and 47.07%); hemicellulose (58.80; 63.32; 56.00; and 49.70%); cellulose (55.58; 71.80; 68.07; and 58.21%); lignin (10.10; 32.18; 31.74; and 0.72%) and protein (64.6; 59.36; 56.16; and 70.15%). The N balances for T1, T2, T3 and T4 were 5.69; 3.88; 3.90; and 8,82 g N/day. It was concluded that the ammoniation was equivalent to the vegetable protein supplementation in the rations. Furthermore, this treatment showed a greater potential to increase fiber digestion, particulary for ADF and cellulose.