SUMMARY This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition and in situ degradation dry matter of maize straw ammoniated with urea. This was a completely randomized design with five levels of ammoniation (0; 2; 4; 6 and 8% dry matter), with five repetitions. There was effect (P<0.05) of the ammoniation process on the retention of nitrogen in maize straw. For each 1% utilization of urea, we observed a reduction of 1.57% nitrogen retention. The dry matter content was not influenced (P>0.05) by the ammoniation; straw presented a mean value of 75%. In turn, the crude protein content increased (P<0.05) with ammoniation, increasing from 2.74% in the straw without treatment to 10 and 11% with the levels of 6 and 8% urea, respectively. For each 1% urea used, we found a reduction (P<0.05) of 0.65% in the neutral detergent fiber content of maize straw. The acid detergent fiber presented effect (P<0.05) in response to ammoniation. The technique provided a reduction of 0.69% acid detergent fiber for each 1% urea used. For dry matter degradation, we observed an increase in the soluble fraction up to the level of 6% urea. The ammoniation process favored the increase in the dry matter degradation rate of maize straw. It is recommended to conduct the ammoniation process in maize straw with 6% urea.