Fodder preservation: Urea treatment of stover

DIRECT
GRAZING CONVECTIONAL METHODS OF CUT & CARRY
FEEDING STOVER STOVER

SILAGE MAKING

STOCKING
STOVER

What is urea treatment of stover?

Refers to the chemical treatment of poor quality roughages or stover with  urea fertilizer
under anaerobic conditions for purposes of increasing the amount of available N­- content
(improved nutritive value)
Methodology/ procedure
Materials/ingredients 1. Dissolve 5kg urea (10x500g level tins) in 20L of water.
Water, urea fertilizer, stover Mixing ratios/Rates for Stir until all granules are completely dissolved.
Pit measuring 4m long x 2m production of a tonne of 2.Evenly spread 50kg chopped stover (5x90kg bags or
wide x 1m deep
A 10m length x 3m width for feed 10x50kg bags) in the pit and adequately compact
covering pit
One tonne of stover chopped to about 3.Sprinkle 10L of urea solution (half 20L urea solution)
5cm/matchbox size evenly over the spread material. Preferably use a watering
Equipment for compaction 200L of water/drum of water can with a rose or a sprinkling utensil
50kg of urea fertilizer 4.Add another 50kg stover, adequately compact and then
sprinkle the remaining 10L of urea solution. Repeat steps 1-
3 until pit is full and dome shaped.
5.Cover with plastic paper and incubate for 4-5 weeks

To reduce incidences of livestock poisoning, DON’T feed to non-ruminants, feed directly from pit,
spill urea. In case of urea poisoning to livestock, use 1:1 ratio of vinegar : molasses and drench
approximately 1 litre of the mix.
To learn more, contact your local extension officers.