The Impact of Rice Straw on Livestock Nutrition

javid keshtleyzeri Co.ltd

List of Contents in this Section:

What is Rice Straw? What is the Role and Potential Use of Rice Straw in Livestock Nutrition?
How is Rice Straw Processed Using Urea?
What is the Relative Value of Rice Straw Compared to Wheat Straw?
Further exploration of the above topics.

What is Rice Straw? What is the Role and Potential Use of Rice Straw in Livestock Nutrition?

Unfortunately, rice straw, which is not given due attention as a rich feed source for livestock, is often burned, leading to environmental pollution. Considering the necessity of providing cost-effective and accessible feed sources for livestock, and given the significant volume of rice straw production in Iran, it is feasible to use it in a shredded and processed form as part of the diet for beef cattle.

Chemical Composition of Rice Straw:

Dry Matter (%)	Protein (%)	NDF (%)	ADF (%)	ASH (%)	Fat (%)	Gross Energy (Cal/Kg)
93.2	4.05	63.7	41.1	15.3	0.84	3634

Use of Rice Straw Without Processing:

Livestock Type	Rice Straw Without Processing (Daily Consumption)
Lamb and Kid Rearing	150 grams
Ewes and Does Keeping	250 grams
Beef Calf Rearing	500 grams
Low Milk Production Cow	1 kilogram
High Milk Production Cow	300 grams

Due to the higher silica and lignin content in rice straw compared to wheat straw, excessive consumption may adversely affect the digestive and renal systems of livestock. To optimize the use of rice straw in livestock nutrition, it should be enriched. Various processing methods, including mechanical, physical, chemical, and biological approaches, have been employed to enhance the nutritional value of cereal straw.

How is Rice Straw Processed Using Urea?

One safe method for processing rice straw is the use of urea. The processing of rice straw depends on its proportion in the livestock diet. If it constitutes 30 to 40 percent of the forage portion, a 3 percent urea concentration seems sufficient. However, if the forage portion reaches 60 to 70 percent, the urea concentration should be increased to around 6 percent.

Processing Method:

First, dissolve 3 to 6 kilograms of urea in 100 liters of water completely. Then, spray this solution onto 100 kilograms of chopped rice straw. The processed straw should be exposed to the air for at least a week to ten days before livestock consumption. While processing rice straw with caustic soda or acid is possible, it is not recommended due to potential risks for livestock farmers and concerns about its consumption by animals.

Use of Processed Rice Straw:

Livestock Type	Processed Rice Straw (Daily Consumption)
Lamb and Kid Rearing	200 grams
Ewes and Does Keeping	350 grams
Beef Calf Rearing	1 kilogram
Low Milk Production Cow	1.5 kilograms
High Milk Production Cow	500 grams

Relative Value of Rice Straw Compared to Wheat Straw:

Considering the composition and nutritional value of rice straw, its relative value without processing is two-thirds that of wheat straw. However, with processing, the relative value equals that of wheat straw.