Nutrient Utilization of Urea Supplemented, Urea and Alkali Treated Wheat Straw in Buffaloes

Twelve growing male buffaloes (2 yrs, 225.2 kg)) divided into 3 groups, were fed wheat straw (T₁), wheat straw treated with 2% Ca (OH)₂ +1% NaOH (T₂) and wheat straw treated with 4% urea (T₃). Rations of groups T₁ and T₂ were mixed 70g urea daily. All the animals were provided vitamin and mineral mixture supplement. Total DM intake and nutrients digestibility except that of CP were significantly (P<0.01) higher in T₁ and T₃ than in T₂, CP digestibility was lowest in group T₃. ME intake was higher than maintenance requirement by 20.8 and 21.0%, respectively in T₁ and T₃. RDN intake was sufficient for maintenance in group T₁ and higher by 14% in group T₃ It was concluded that wheat straw supplemented with urea N and minerals was comparable to 4% urea treated straw.