Effect of Partial Replacement of Formaldehyde Treated Groundnut Meal with Urea or Fish Meal on Utilization of Nutrient in Calves

Four isonitrogenous (2.11%N) complete rations were formulated with sorghum hay at 40% and concentrates at 60% level. The untreated groundnut cake used in the control ration (CR-1) at 16% level was replaced (WAV) by HCHO treated GNC in CR-2. In CR-3, 11 % of HCHO treated GNC with 0.5% urea were included while in CR-4,8% of HCHO treated GNC and 6% fish meal as a source of by-pass protein were provided. The rations were evaluated in 4x4 latin square nitrogen balance experiment using four crossbred male calves (54.6±3.0kg). Complete replacement of untreated GNC-N by HCHO treated GNC lowered (P<0.05) CP digestibility increased (P<0.10) DM and NDF digestibilities, and faecal N excretion but did not affect N retention. However substitution of HCHO treated GNC-N with fish meal increased DM digestibility lowered ADF and EE digestibilities and increased N retention. It was concluded that CR-4 had a beneficial effect compared to the other treatments.