After wheat is harvested, a large amount of straw is often left piled in open areas like courts or yards. This not only poses a fire hazard but also leads to mold growth, environmental pollution, and can negatively impact health. The most effective solution is to repurpose the wheat straw as animal feed for cattle farming, turning waste into a valuable resource. However, wheat straw has high crude fiber content—especially new straw, which can contain over 39% fiber—making it hard to digest and low in nutritional value. Its poor palatability makes it unsuitable for direct feeding to cattle.
To improve its usability, the straw must be treated with ammonia. Ammoniated wheat straw becomes softer, develops a sweet, fruity aroma, and is much more appealing to beef cattle. Especially during summer and autumn, mixing it with green feeds helps prevent digestive issues and reduces the risk of disease. Below is a detailed guide on how to prepare ammoniated wheat straw:
First, choose a flat, elevated, dry, and accessible area for the process. Dig a pit in the center and line it with a plastic sheet. The size of the plastic should be adjusted based on the quantity of straw, but it should extend at least 50–60 cm beyond the edges to ensure proper sealing.
Next, prepare the ammonia solution. A 3% concentration is ideal for wheat straw treatment. To make this, dissolve 1.5 kg of urea in 15 liters of clean water. If urea is unavailable, you can use ammonium bicarbonate instead, though you'll need to increase the quantity—about 5 kg of bicarbonate dissolved in 15 liters of fresh water.
Then, proceed with the actual treatment. Clean the wheat stalks and remove any dirt or impurities. Pile them on the plastic-lined pit, then spray the ammonia solution evenly over the pile, pressing it down as much as possible for better absorption. For every 50 kg of straw, use 15 kg of the prepared solution. Once the pile is complete, cover it with the plastic sheet, fold the edges, and seal it tightly with soil or additional straw. Make sure there are no air leaks.
After sealing, let it sit for different periods depending on the season: about 2 weeks in summer, 7 weeks in winter, and 3 weeks in spring and autumn. After this time, you can open the pile and begin using the feed.
Before feeding, it's crucial to allow the residual ammonia to dissipate completely to avoid poisoning. It’s recommended to open the pile and let it air out for two days before feeding. When introducing the ammoniated straw to the cattle, start with small amounts and gradually increase the portion to help them adapt. Always mix it with green fodder or other high-quality feeds. Typically, ammoniated wheat straw should make up 40–60% of the total feed ration. This method not only improves feed efficiency but also supports sustainable agricultural practices.
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