The Effect of Treating Forage with Formaldehyde During Haymaking and Methionine Administration During Feeding on the Digestion and Utilization of Energy and Nitrogen by Sheep

T.N. Barry

Invermay Agricultural Research Centre, Mosgiel

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Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1971, 31: 129-134

Herbages (lucerne, pasture-clover mixtures) were sprayed with formaldehyde solutions during haymaking in 3 trials. After storage the hays were fed to sheep with and without intraperitoneally administered methionine. In vivo and in vitro tests showed that formaldehyde treatment protected some of the forage protein from ruminal degradation. Formaldehyde treatment caused some reduction in the apparent digestibility of nitrogen but not of energy. Responses in wool growth and nitrogen retention to hays containing protected protein, to methionine and to a combination of both treatments are given.

Keywords: NZSAPAB;

Last Updated 24-08-2000