Rumen Fermentation Pattern in Buffaloes as Affected by Mode of Urea Supplementation

Studies on rumen fermentation pattern were conducted in an experiment based on 4x4 latin square design. Four adult male buffaloes fitted with rumen cannulae were taken to evaluate the effect of mode of urea supplementation. Animals in group T₁ (control) were given concentrate mixture and wheat straw whereas in the 3 experimental groups (T₂-T₄), 30% of the total CP requirement was met through urea included in the concentrate mixture (T₂), wheat straw (T₃) or fed as urea ammoniated wheat straw (T₄). The pH of rumen liquor in T₂ was significantly (P<0.01) higher as compared to other groups. TVFA concentration was significantly (P<0.01) higher in T₄ than T₁ or T₂ and comparable with T₃ The rumen NH₃-N concentration was significantly lower in T₁ than T₂,. T₄ and comparable with T₃, The TCA ppt-N content of rumen liquor was significantly (P<0.01) higher in T₄ as compared to other groups. Various end products of rumen fermentation showed favourable response when urea was incorporated in the diet of animals spraying on straw (T₃) or in form of urea ammoniated wheat straw.