J. Anim Sci.
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J. Anim Sci. 1982. 55:924-934.
© 1982 American Society of Animal Science
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Ammonia Treatment of Corn Silage. II. Net Energy Evaluation and Silage Characterization1

L. W. Lomas2 and D. G. Fox3,4,5,

Michigan State University6, East Lansing 48824

Abstract

Net energy values for maintenance and gain were determined by the comparative slaughter technique for each of eight protein treatments. Among the protein treatments was corn silage treated with cold-flow anhydrous ammonia (ANAM) at the time of ensiling. Silages fed in three trials were analyzed for crude protein (N x 6.25), water soluble nitrogen (N), water insoluble N, lactate, pH and volatile fatty acids throughout the feeding period. Highest net energy values were obtained from the addition of a complete mineral mixture at time of ensiling to corn silage treated with 15.60 g ANAM/kg of corn silage dry matter (CSDM). Net energy values for maintenance (NEm) and gain (NEg) were 1.62 and 1.19 Mcal/kg diet dry matter. All protein treatments resulted in higher diet net energy values than the control treatment which contained no supplemental protein. Addition of ammonia to corn silage at time of ensiling generally resulted in a higher pH and higher crude protein, soluble N, insoluble N and lactate. A micro-computer performance prediction program was used to relate the silage characterization data to the feeding trial results. Weight and frame size of the calves, dry matter intakes, silage protein (total, soluble and insoluble) and net energy values of the diets were used to predict daily gains that both energy and protein would support. Ammonia plus mineral treatment was predicted by the computer program to give performance similar to soybean meal (SBM) supplementation to untreated silage due to increased silage insoluble protein and net energy values in the treated silage. These results were obtained in trial 1, where calves fed ammonia plus mineral-treated and SBM-supplemented diets had similar intakes. Differences between these two systems in trial 3 were concluded to be due to differences in intake in that trial. The low gain of calves fed the untreated, unsupplemented corn silage diet was determined to be due to a reduced intake of both net energy and protein, as gains expected to be allowed by both dietary energy and protein intake were similar to actual gains. Thus, the higher net energy value of treated or supplemented silage diets was primarily due to their content of lactic acid or SBM. Actual performance at lighter weights corresponded closely to diet insoluble protein levels.

Footnotes

1 Michigan Agr. Exp. Sta. Journal Article No. 9173.

2 Present Address: Southeast Kansas Branch Exp. Sta. Parsons

3 Present Address: Anim. Sci. Dept. Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY.

4 The authors are indebted to J. R. Black and W. T. Magee for assistance in statistical analysis.

5 Acknowledgement is expressed to USS Agri-Chemicals, Atlanta, GA, for support of this research

6 Dept. of Anim. Husb.






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Copyright © 1982 by the American Society of Animal Science.