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Maturity and Ammoniation Effects on the Feeding Value of Tropical Grass Hay^1,2,

University of Florida³, Ona 33865

Abstract

Laboratory, digestion and growth studies evaluated maturity and ammoniation effects on the feeding value of ‘Ona’ stargrass (Cynodon nlemfuensis Vanderyst var. nlemfuensis) hay. Laboratory trial treatments included 500-g DM portions of 5-wk or 10-wk regrowth hay treated with 0, 2, 3, 4, 6 or 8 g anhydrous NH₃/100 g hay DM. Less mature hay had greater (P < .001) total N concentration and in vitro OM disappearance (IVOMD), lower (P < .001) NDF and ADL concentrations and faster (P < .001) rate of in vitro NDF digestion than more mature hay. Ammoniation increased (P < .001) total N and IVOMD and reduced (P < .001) NDF concentration of stargrass hay. Digestion trials (4 x 4 latin square; 180- to 200-kg steers) evaluated 6 vs 12 (Trial 1) and 5 vs 10 (Trial 2) wk regrowth hay, either untreated or ammoniated (4 g NH₃ /100 g hay DM). Growth Trials 1 (72 steers; avg wt 198 kg; three pens per treatment) and 2 (January 6 to April 24, 1987; 84 heifers; avg wt 205 kg; three 1-ha bahiagrass [Paspalum notatum, Flugge] pastures per treatment) evaluated the same treatments as digestion Trials 1 and 2, respectively. Ammoniation improved (P < .05) apparent OM and fiber digestibilities of both hay maturities, although responses were greater (hay maturity x ammoniation interaction, P < .05) in more mature hay. Ammoniation improved (P < .05) gain and intake by cattle fed more mature hay; however,, results from ammoniation were inconsistent in less mature hay. More mature, ammoniated hay had greater (P < .05) apparent OM and fiber digestibilities, and supported greater (P < .05) gain, than less mature, untreated hay.

¹ Florida Agric. Exp. Sta. journal ser. no. 8594.

² Appreciation is expressed to Toni Wood and Marvin Richardson for care and feeding of animals and laboratory analyses.

³ Agric. Res. and Educ. Center.

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