Effect of Source of Sulphur Supplementation with or Without Phosphorus on Growth and Nutrient Utilization in Crossbred Heifers Maintained on Urea Based Diet

Twenty crossbred heifers (6 to 12m) randomly divided into 5’groups, were fed on S isonitrogcnous concentrate mixture viz. T₁ (urea alone, control), X₂ (urea along with sodium sulphate to provide N:S ratio 1w:l), T₃ (Same as T₂ along with KH₂PO₄ to supply phosphorus’25% more than standard requirement), T₄ (same as T₂ but sulphur was supplemented through ammonium sulphate) and T₅ (same as T₄ along with KH, PO₄ to supply phosphorus 25% more than standard requirement) along with wheat straw ad lib. DM, OM and gross energy intakes were similar among groups, however, intake of DCP and DE and digestibility of nutrients were significantly (P<0.05) higher in sulphur supplemented groups irrespective of its source than in control group. DCP intake was also significantly higher In groups T₃ and T₅ than in groups T₂ and T₄. Digestibility of nutrients was improved by phosphorus supplementation In addition to sulphur supplementation. Average daily body weight gains were also significantly (P<0.05) higher In treatment groups than in control and these were significantly higher in group T₅ than in group T₄; while T₁ being lowest.