ABSTRACT
Nonprotein nitrogen (NPN) is well accepted in rations for ruminants. The annual savings in feed costs realized in the US from replacing oilseed meals with NPN in ruminant rations has been estimated at $500 million. In addition to furnishing nitrogen for microbial synthesis in the rumen, ammonia treatment, through its high alkalinity, effectively raises the energy availability of low quality roughages. The antifungal effects of ammonia addition to corn and other grains have been well established. Ammoniated sugar beet pulp (ASBP) was produced and tested as a feed for ruminants in the early 1940s. Some studies showed that it was consumed by dairy calves which had reasonable gains. Growth and digestibility studies suggested satisfactory utilization of ammoniated whey. Fermentation and ammoniation of feedlot and other animal wastes are presently under investigation. Feeding studies to evaluate these as protein supplements for ruminants should be forthcoming in the near future.
