Fodder Production and Grassland Management

AMMONIATION

• Ammoniation is technique by which the poor quality crop residues can be improved and made more palatable. The steps involved are
  • Chaff the crop residues : Crop residues are cut into pieces of 2 to 3 cm length.
  • Dig a circular pit on an elevated place.
  • Add 35 to 40% water to moisten the crop residues.
  • Fill the moistened crop residues in the pit and apply 2.5 to 3.0% liquid ammonia.
  • Cover and seal the pit with a plastic sheet.
  • Open the pit after 30 or 35 days by which time the feed is ready for livestock.
  • For daily use, required quantity of the ammonia treated forage can be removed from the pit and kept in the open for over night before feeding. This will help to evaporate excess quantity of ammonia.