EFFECT OF ACID TREATMENT IN REDUCING AMMONIA LOSS DURING UREA AMMONIATION OF STRAW

Varying fixation (F) levels (10, 20, 30 and 40%) of sulphuric and hydr ochloric acids were tried in week 4 of ammoniation of gram straw with 2 weeks of further incubation using 4.0 (U1) and 7.5% (U2) urea at 46. 19-49.59% moisture to minimize the loss of ammonia in polythene bags i n the laboratory. Total protein and ammonia nitrogen improved signific antly (P<0.01) with increased urea and fixation levels. Cell-wall frac tions and crude fibre degradation increased significantly (P<0.01) at higher urea and fixation levels. The addition of acid equivalent to 40 % fixation significantly lowered NDF from 62.13% in control to 55.83% at F4. Treatment of gram straw with 7.5% urea at 46.19% moisture for 6 weeks at 40% fixation level of acid could significantly (P<0.01) chec k the loss of ammonia and enhance the CP content to 18.00%.