Abstract:
1. In a series of three experiments it has been shown that the supplementation
of poor quality grass hay with either urea or sodium nitrate, in conjunction with
molasses resulted in increased appetite and improved maintenance of body weight.
2. These beneficial effects were not only due to the extra nutriments derived
from the supplements but also to an acceleration of cellulose digestion allowing
of a greater utilisation of the basic hay.
3. Although the rate of cellulose digestion was accelerated the percentage of
cellulose digested was not influenced.
4. The feeding of 200 gm. of lucerne hay per day also increased the rate of
cellulose digestion resulting in an increased consumption of grass hay.
5. Indications that the presence of ammonia radicle is deleterious to the
activity of the ruminal flora will have to be studied further. The possibility of
using nitrates to supplement the rations of ruminants will also have to be explored.
