Chemical Treatment of Wheat Straw

An in vitro digestion study, a lamb growth trial and a lamb digestion trial were conducted to evaluate the effect of different NaOH and Ca(OH)2 treatments on the energy availability of wheat straw. In vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD) of wheat straw was increased 29% by chemical treatment with 1% NaOH plus 3% Ca(OH)2 and by as much as 86% by a 4% NaOH plus 1% Ca(OH)2 treatment. A significant amount of hemicellulose was solubilized by chemical treatment with NaOH and Ca(OH)2, but little cellulose was solubilized. Rate and extent of both hemicellulose and cellulose digestion of treated wheat straw were increased significantly in comparison to corresponding measures for untreated wheat straw. Lambs fed chemically-treated wheat straw gained significantly faster and more efficiently and consumed more dry matter per day than those fed untreated wheat straw diets. Chemical treatment of wheat straw significantly increased dry matter, organic matter cellulose and hemicellulose digestibilities in the lamb digestion trial. Organic matter digestibility was increased from 51.3% for untreated wheat straw to 65.3% for 4% NaOH-treated wheat straw

Wheat Straw in Growing Cattle Diets

Three cattle growth trials were conducted to evaluate the use of untreated and alkali-treated wheat straw as energy sources for ruminants. In trial 1, daily gain decreased as level of untreated wheat straw increased in the diet. A 14% decrease in gain occurred when the level of straw was increased from 30 to 40% of the diet. In trial 2, cattle fed 4% NaOH-treated wheat straw at the 30 or 60% level had better daily gains and feed efficieneies (Pvs. .54 kg/day). In addition, in this trial, cattle fed 50% treated wheat straw gained faster (Pvs. .62 kg/day)

Observations of Forage Quality and Calf Gain when Grazing Double Cropped Forage following Wheat Harvest

A 2- year cover crop grazing study was conducted following wheat harvest to evaluate the quality and yield of a 5- way forage annual forage mix in addition to cattle performance. In 2013, gain of steer calves was 2.03 lb/day, while 2014 steer calves had gain of 1.55 lb/day. Above ground forage production was 1.08 and 1.72 tons/acre in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Daikon radish and purple top turnip (brassicas) were high in sulfur and low in fiber. Fall forage production of brassica and oat based mixes following wheat grain harvest provide 97 to 137 lb of gain per acre