Topics:
Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher
Component Inhibiting Straw Digestibility
An important component which inhibits digestibility of straw is:
- Lignin
- Silica — Correct Answer
- Pectin
- None
Explanation:
Correct Answer: Silica
In cereal crop residues like rice/paddy straw, an exceptionally high content of Silica (SiO₂) forms dense encrustations on plant cell walls that physically block microbial enzymes from accessing digestible polysaccharides — making silica the primary factor inhibiting straw digestibility (compared to lignin in woody forages).
Straw Quality — Normal vs Urea-Treated
| Item | Normal Straw | Urea-Treated Straw |
|---|---|---|
| DCP% | 0% | 4–5% |
| TDN% | 40% | 50% |
| Digestibility% | 46% | 70% |
| CP% | 3–4% | Improved |
Straw Treatment — Urea Protocol
- Rate: 4% of straw (100 kg straw + 40 L water + 4 kg urea)
- Water:Urea ratio = 10:1
- Also deficient in all minerals but rich in Silica
- Straw: TDN ≈ 40%, DCP = 0%, CF high, digestibility low
📚 About this Topic — Animal Nutrition
This multiple choice question is from Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher. It has 4 options with a detailed explanation of the correct answer. Practice more MCQs from Animal Nutrition to strengthen your preparation.
