Effect of Feeding Ammoniated Straw and Grazing on Growth Performance and Nutrient Utilization in Crossbred Calves

Sixteen male crossbred calves were divided into four groups of four each. • AH the groups were provided 25% oo their TDN requirement tthough deoiled rice bran. Groups I and III were given untreated wheat straw while the groups II and TV were provided ammoniated wheat straw. In addition, groups III and IV were allowed grazing for 6–7 fa/d. The average DM intake (g/kgW^0.75) was 70,40,80.99, 80.45 and 85.07 in groups I, II, HI and IV, respectively. Significant (P<0.05) improvement in DM intake was observed due to feeding of ammoniated straw in group II as compared to group I. The digestibility coefficient of various nutrients differed significantly (P<0.05) amongst the group except NFE. All the calves showed positive N, Ca and P balances. The feeding of ammoniated straw could not show significant advantage in live weight gain in group II as compared to group I (326.67 vs 310.00 g/d). However, significant increase in body weight gain was recorded under grazing conditions in group III and IV over group I.