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4119931 
Journal Article 
Studies on ammonia-treated straw: 2. Fixation of ammonia in treated straw by spraying with acids 
Borhami B, EA; Sundstol, F; Garmo, TH 
1982 
Yes 
Animal Feed Science and Technology
ISSN: 0377-8401 
HEEP/82/08446 
7 
1 
53-60 
HEEP COPYRIGHT: BIOL ABS. NH3-treated barley straw (NH3 straw) was sprayed with either formic, acetic or phosphoric acid immediately after opening the stack to capture the excess NH3. The amount of acid applied was estimated to neutralize 100% of the NH3 added to the straw (30 kg NH3/t (ton) straw). After spraying with acid the straw was stored in plastic bags for room temperature (15-20? C). When bags of NH3 straw treated with acids were opened, there was very little smell of NH3; there was a very strong smell from the bag of NH3 straw without acid added. The N content of the straw (g/100 g DM (dry matter)) was for untreated straw, 0.88, NH3 straw without acid, 2.50, and NH3 straw with added formic acid, 3.49, acetic acid, 3.81, and phosphoric acid, 2.27. The digestibility of organic matter determined in sheep was 47.3, 60.5, 59.0, 60.4 and 51.3 following the same order as above. Spraying NH3 straw with organic acids effectively reduces the loss of NH3 and increases the N content of the straw. Another advantage of this is that the air pollution with NH3 which may occur in the barn when the straw is not well aired is effectively prevented. Spraying with organic acids had no negative effect on the digestibility of the straw. The N supply and the digestibility of N in the animal seemed to be markedly improved.