Page 9 - UNAM Forum ED1-2020
P. 9
Students improve the
utilization of low quality
roughages by
Urea-Molasses Treatment
During dry seasons, ruminants subsist mainly on high fibrous crop
residues such as maize, pearl millet, sorghum and rice straws. Straws are
characterized by high indigestible fibre due to increased lignification of
cellulose; low crude protein and energy contents which limit its intake
and digestibility. Although various chemical, physical and biological
methods have been explored to improve the nutritive value, increase
intake and digestibility of crop residues, these methods are not fully
adopted in Namibia. The recurrent drought in Namibia strongly demands
the improvement of roughages (straws and dry season standing hay) to
maintain livestock during the time of feed shortage.
During the Feeds and Feeding practical session, third-year students from
the Department of Animal Science, Neudamm Campus, conducted
a trial to improve the nutritional value of roughages using urea solution
which is known to increase crude protein and improve the digestibility of
straws. Grass hay was chopped and mixed with 5% urea solution before
incubation for 21 days. After incubation, urea treated grass hay were
UNAM Cares has received opened to get rid of excess ammonia, and then mixed with molasses
tremendous support from the before feeding to dairy calves at Neudamm farm. Farmers should be
Phoenix project, under the advised and encouraged to improve the quality of hay and cereal straws
leadership of Professor Judith fed to animals, not only to keep animals alive but also to improve their
Hall, from Cardiff University.
UNAM Social Work professional body condition and animal performance.
and leader of the UNAM Cares
Initiative, Dr Rachel Freeman, Written by: Dr. M. Shipandeni and Prof. J. Mupangwa
said that “No matter how big,
or how small, UNAM Cares is
committed to using UNAM’s
strong network of like-minded
people, to make a difference
in our communities”.
9 Official Newsletter
