Rice Straw As Feed for Cattle or Water Buffalo

• Location: Philippines and elsewhere

Technical Description

Rice straw is a crop residue derived from rice production. In many parts of the region it is normally burned. In parts of the Philippines, and elsewhere where there are distinct dry and wet seasons, rice straw is collected by livestock farmers and stored as feed for lean months (Fig. 9). Usually, the straw is piled up in one corner of the farm near the animal sheds or where the animals are kept after working or grazing in the field.

When straw is needed as feed, the farmer merely collects it from the pile or allows the animals to eat/browse from the pile. During dry months when the supply of forage is low, rice straw comprises the bulk of the roughage requirement.

As a feed material, rice straw has a very low feed value. Thus, farmers supplement rice straw with tree leaves, and assorted legumes and grasses collected from the field on a cut and carry basis. Where available, farmers also supplement rice straw with concentrates and/or molasses, to improve voluntary feed intake and the feed value of the straw. Where available, a urea-molasses mineral block is also given as a mineral supplement during the dry months to maintain the weight of the animals.

Uses and Merits

Rice straw as a feed source is easily available and can be taken free from the field. Although it is a low quality feed resource, its feed value can be improved by physical methods (chopping) and chemical methods (urea treatment, lime and water soaking). Also, the feed value can easily be enhanced by adding legumes, concentrates or urea-molasses. Rice straw can be stored for a long time, especially if it is placed in a dry shed.

Reservations on Its Use

Considering its low feed value, rice straw is relatively bulky to transport from the field. When several animals are fed, a sizable storage area is needed for the straw. As feed for animals, rice straw needs to be supplemented or fortified with high-nutrition feeds to make up for its lack of protein and energy. One reservation for the bulk storage of rice straw in a closed shed is that it becomes a fire hazard, especially under dry and hot conditions. Collection of rice straw from paddy fields can also be a means of transmitting parasites such as liver flukes.

Expert’s Comments

Rice straw as a feed contains only 3.5% crude protein, 3.1% fiber, 15% ether extract, and 33.68% NFE (nitrogen free extract). Feed supplementation will not only improve the voluntary feed intake of the animal but will also improve the nutrient intake and feed value of the feed resource.

https://www.pinoybisnes.com/livestock-business/low-cost-feeds-and-feeding-methods-for-livestock/#Tire_Trough_for_Native_Chickens