Evaluation of the Feeding Value of Straw

Abstract
The content of dry matter, ash, NDF [neutral detergent fiber], ADF [acid detergent fiber], lignin, in vitro soluble organic matter and enzyme soluble organic matter in samples of straw, determined in various laboratories, in the Nordic countries, corresponded very well, provided that the same analytical procedure is applied. Various measures for fiber (NDF, ADF) and lignin content provided no or very little information on the nutritive value of alkali treated straw. For testing purposes in vitro organic matter digestibility (principally Tilley and Terry 1963) and enzyme solubility (principally Guggolz et al. 1971) were recommended. The laboratory methods presently available do not possess the accuracy required to test the nutritive value of straw in feed mixtures containing less than 50% straw.