Applied Biological Research

Fermentation of grains in dairy ration along with oil seed meals (OSM) and urea-mineral-salt (VMS) fortification was studied using first order kinetic model of in vitro gas production (IVGP). Non-reducing sugars in OSM were 6% as compared to 1–3% in grains. Fermentation of oats was steadier than maize or sorghum. Addition of UMS to a dairy cow ration had no impact on IVGP of grains and OSM, and affected the initiation of fermentation but not in groundnut cake. When soya meal was added to grains alongwith UMS, the maize fermentation became steadier and comparable to oats, while spurt ofIVGP was observed with sorghum at 7h. UMS fortification reduced methane in the IVGP only in grains but not in OSM. Study indicated that maize was a good source of grain on ureabased diets compared to sorghum or oats. Addition of natural source of protein as OSM was essential when VMS is added in concentrate supplements.