1. Description
Wheat Long Straw refers to unchopped, long-stemmed wheat straw, which is left after harvesting wheat (Triticum aestivum). It is commonly used as roughage for livestock, as well as for bedding, mulching, and biofuel production. Unlike finely chopped wheat straw, long straw retains its natural structure, making it more durable and useful for applications requiring longer fiber length. Although low in protein and digestibility, it serves as a cost-effective fiber source for ruminants like cattle, buffaloes, sheep, and goats.
2. Technical Specifications
3. Nutritional Specifications
Wheat Long Straw has similar nutritional properties to regular wheat straw but is often preferred for certain applications due to its longer fiber length. Below is its typical nutritional breakdown:
Component | Percentage (%) |
---|---|
Crude Protein | 3-5% |
Metabolizable Energy (ME) (MJ/kg) | 5-7 |
Crude Fiber | 35-45% |
Ash | 6-10% |
Calcium | 0.2-0.5% |
Phosphorus | 0.1-0.2% |
Lignin | 10-15% |
Hemicellulose | 25-30% |
Cellulose | 35-40% |
Moisture | 10-15% |
✅ Benefits:
✔️ Long fibers provide better roughage for livestock digestion
✔️ Ideal for animal bedding, keeping barns dry and comfortable
✔️ Preferred for mulching in agriculture to retain soil moisture and prevent weeds
✔️ Can be stored in bales for long-term use