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Alkali treatment as a method of processing whole grain for cattle

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2009

E. R. Ørskov  and
J. F. D. Greenhalgh
E. R. Ørskov
Affiliation:
Rowett Research Institute, Bucksburn, Aberdeen AB2 9SB
J. F. D. Greenhalgh
Affiliation:
Rowett Research Institute, Bucksburn, Aberdeen AB2 9SB
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Summary

Whole barley grains were soaked in dilute sodium hydroxide solutions or sprayed with concentrated solutions, then incubated in bags in the rumen of sheep. Rate of digestion was increased by the alkali, and spraying with 35 g NaOH/kg was concluded to be the optimum treatment. Whole barley treated in this way was as well consumed and digested by cattle as rolled barley, and better digested than untreated whole grain, but promoted a rumen pH one unit higher. Oats, wheat and maize were also treated successfully, as judged by digestion in bags. Urea added with NaOH remained stable; treated grain could be stored at 19% moisture without deterioration.

Type
Short Notes
Information
The Journal of Agricultural Science , Volume 89 , Issue 1 , August 1977 , pp. 253 - 255
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1977

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References

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