Two experiments were conducted to study: 1) the different methods of processing broiler litter for use as a feed ingredient; and 2) preservation, fermentation and nutrient utilization of rumen contents and blood. Broiler litter was deep stacked in 1.2 x 1.2 x 1.2 m bins at 15, 25 and 35% moisture, and ensiled at 40% moisture, alone or with 5% added molasses. Litter was also ensiled with rumen contents at ratios of 60:40 and 50:50, wet basis. For digestion and palatability trials, wethers were allotted to five diets: 1) basal alone, or basal and broiler litter (1:1, dry basis) processed by; 2) deep stacking at 15% moisture; 3) ensiling; 4) ensiling with 5% molasses; and 5) basal and ensiled rumen contents and litter (50:50, wet basis).

Freshly collected rumen contents and blood, mixed in proportions of 1:1, 2:1 and 3:1, wet basis, were ensiled with wheat straw (60:40) untreated or treated with 5% urea, with or without 7.5% molasses. Formic/propionic acid (1% w/w) and 10% dried sugar cane molasses were tested as preservatives for blood and rumen contents. Formic/propionic acids preserved rumen contents and blood were ensiled with wheat straw (45:15:40, wet basis) for use in a metabolism trial with sheep. Sheep were fed a basal diet and the silage at ratios of 100:0, 75:25, and 50:50, dry basis.

Litter deep stacked at 15% moisture showed a lower rise in temperature than litter stacked at 25 and 35% moisture. Desirable fermentation was achieved for litter ensiled alone or with molasses or rumen contents. Deep stacked broiler litter and silages were devoid of coliforms. Apparent digestibilities of OM and CP were lowest for the deep stacked broiler litter diets. Dry matter intake was similar among waste-containing diets.

Formic/propionic acids were the only preservatives which were effective for both blood and rumen contents. Desirable fermentation was achieved in rumen contents-blood-straw in Silages containing untreated wheat straw. Apparent digestibility of CP of the ensiled slaughterhouse wastestraw was similar to that of the basal. The calculated digestibilities of OM and DM of the silage were 46% and that of CP was 69%. The results indicated that fresh rumen contents and blood can be ensiled successfully with wheat straw for use as roughage and protein source for ruminants.