The results are the same as with the use of acids, but the action is opposite. Anhydrous ammonia also partially degrades fiber structure by disrupting hemicellulose linkages. This should increase fiber digestibility by ruminal microbes and improve total dry-matter intake. However, no associated improvements in animal performance have been demonstrated. The silage will be aerobically stable because of the accumulation of butyric acid, but the high nutrient losses and poor palatability make adding non-protein nitrogen to forages risky if the silage is susceptible to clostridia.
Anhydrous ammonia is also potentially toxic to workers and corrodes silage-handling equipment.
Water-soluble carbohydrate can be added to promote fermentation bacteria and to absorb excess water from wet crops. Because most grasses and legumes are wilted before harvesting, addition of molasses is not indicated. Dried beet pulp, citrus pulp, and hominy absorb water from excessively wet forages. The addition of water-soluble carbohydrate increases the cost of the feedstuff. Also, it is difficult to distribute it evenly in the forage.