Description:

1. Description

Wheat Straw is the dry stalks left after wheat (Triticum aestivum) grains are harvested. It is widely used as a roughage feed for livestock, particularly ruminants like cattle, buffaloes, sheep, and goats. Although it has low protein and digestibility, it is a good source of fiber and helps maintain gut health in animals. Wheat straw is often mixed with high-protein feeds (like alfalfa or oilseed cakes) to balance its nutritional limitations. It is also used for animal bedding, mushroom farming, mulching, and as a raw material in biofuel production.

2. Technical Specifications

• Scientific Name: Triticum aestivum (byproduct)
• Origin: Worldwide, commonly produced in wheat-growing regions
• Growth Type: Residual byproduct of wheat harvesting
• Soil Type (for wheat cultivation): Loamy or clayey, well-drained soil
• pH Range (for wheat cultivation): 6.0 – 7.5
• Moisture Content (Fresh Straw): 40-60%
• Moisture Content (Dry Straw): 10-15%
• Processing Methods: Sun drying, chopping, baling, or urea treatment
• Storage Life: 6-12 months (if stored in a dry environment)
• Yield (as byproduct): Around 1.2-1.5 tons of straw per ton of harvested wheat

3. Nutritional Specifications

Wheat Straw is low in protein and energy but serves as a good fiber source for livestock. Below is its typical nutritional breakdown:

Benefits of Wheat Straw

✅ Benefits:
✔️ Low-cost and widely available roughage source
✔️ Good fiber content, helping in digestion and rumen function
✔️ Can be stored easily and used year-round

Comparison with Rice Straw

• Better digestibility than rice straw
• Lower silica content, reducing the risk of tooth wear in animals
• Preferred choice for livestock bedding due to its soft texture