GROWTH RESPONSE OF HAIR SHEEP FED UREA-AMMONIATED GUINEAGRASS (PANICUM MAXIMUM) HAY

Laboratory, digestion, and growth studies evaluated urea as a source of ammoniation for quality improvement in guineagrass (Panicum maximum) hay. Large round bales (320 kg) were reconstituted with water to yield a final moisture concentration of 25%, and treated with urea at 0, 4 or 6% of the forage DM. The urea solution was sprayed onto both flat surfaces of the bales. Each treatment was applied to three bales. Each bale was stored air-tight in individual 6-mil thickness plastic bags for 60 days. Crude protein concentration and in vitro organic matter digestion increased in a linear (P 0.10), however apparent fiber digestibilities increased in a linear (P < 0.05) manner due to urea treatment. Linear improvements in daily gain (P < 0.05) and gain/ feed (P = 0.07) were observed by urea treatment. Urea ammoniation offers potential for improving the feeding value of tropical forages, and provides an option for quality forage during the dry season