Introduction

Straw and stalks are residues from the cultivation of rice and other cereals. They are normally not considered suitable as fodder of good quality for ruminants. However, this booklet presents two different methods for successfully using these residues as feed.

In one method the straw and stalks are treated with a water solution of urea. This method is particularly suitable when the aim is to use rice, wheat, barley or oat straw as feed for cattle and buffaloes.

The other method is suitable when there is an excess of straw and stalk, allowing the animals to select their feed. However, cattle and buffaloes cannot select from among the straw of different small cereals and the method is therefore more suitable for small ruminants like sheep and goats.

This booklet provides detailed, practical guidelines for both methods. It is written in straightforward language and illustrations are used to support the text. It is possible to enlarge the illustrations and use them as posters or transparencies in extension work.

The booklet contains a final section, addressed to the extension worker, summarizing practical experiences with the two methods from different countries.