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August 17, 2006 Anhydrous Ammonia Can Boost Corn Silage Protein Adding anhydrous ammonia is a low-cost way to provide corn silage with nonprotein nitrogen, particularly during shortages of high-protein feed, such as good-quality alfalfa silage or hay, according to North Dakota State University Extension Service dairy specialist J.W. Schroeder. Anhydrous ammonia (NH3) must be applied to corn silage before it enters storage. Adding 7 pounds of NH3 per ton of 65 percent moisture silage (assuming a 20 percent loss) can increase the crude protein content of corn silage from 8 percent to 12 percent, he says. The recommended application rate is 6 to 8 pounds of NH3 per ton of silage at 65 percent moisture content. Adding more than 8 pounds results in excessive ammonia losses to the atmosphere and has an adverse impact on the fermentation process, while adding less than 6 pounds per ton usually is not cost effective. But adding anhydrous has its challenges. Adding anhydrous ammonia to dry corn silage (less than 60 percent moisture content) often is not very effective because of volatilization and poor retention of ammonia in the silage, Schroeder says. Also, adding anhydrous ammonia to wet corn silage containing greater than 70 percent moisture content can result in extensive loss of ammonia in the seepage. Producers also need to remember that adding anhydrous ammonia to corn silage alters the silage’s fermentation, he says. Anhydrous ammonia is basic in nature and immediately after application will elevate the pH, or acidity, of corn silage. Later the pH slowly declines through normal fermentation, but fermentation will not be as extensive as in untreated corn silage. Some research has demonstrated that the less extensive fermentation results in a higher dry-matter (DM) loss in the silage. However, anhydrous ammonia has excellent anti-fungal properties and effectively can reduce yeast and mold populations in the silage. As a result, anhydrous-treated corn silage often has better bunk life and reduced DM loss at feedout. “Lastly, if you decide to use anhydrous, remember it is dangerous stuff,” Schroeder says. Anhydrous ammonia causes severe burns when it comes in contact with skin, so applicators should wear protective gear, such as a full-face shield; heavy-duty, long-sleeved clothing; rubber gloves; and heavy-duty shoes. Applicators also should have a supply of clean water readily available for flushing off and cleaning skin accidentally exposed to anhydrous ammonia. They need to take these precautions when assembling equipment and applying the product. Anhydrous ammonia typically is added at the forage harvester, or chopper, in the field during harvesting or at the blower when filling silos, bunkers or other silage storage units. Adding anhydrous ammonia at the blower is better when storing the corn silage in an upright silo, Schroeder advises. However, applying NH3 at the forage harvester is better if storing the corn silage in a bunker or horizontal storage unit. He doesn’t recommend adding anhydrous ammonia to corn silage while filling a horizontal or bunker storage unit. Producers need the following equipment to add anhydrous ammonia to corn silage:
### Source: J.W.
Schroeder, (701) 231-7663, jschroed@ndsuext.nodak.edu |
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North Dakota State University |
