*Department of Veterinary Physiology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004
DCN Division, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal-132 001, (Haryana)
Online published on 29 December, 2011.
Eighteen crossbred calves (8–12 months age, 90–150 kg b.wt.), randomly divided in three equal groups, were fed on untreated (A); 4% urea + 40% moisture (on DM basis) treated (B) and 5% urea+30% moisture (on DM basis) treated (C) rice straw. Treated straw was ensiled in cemented silos for 30 days. Rice straw was fed as a basal roughage alongwith concentrate mixture as per requirements for 120 days. The daily body weight gain was significantly (P<0.01) higher in groups B (562.50±26.42 g) and C (541.67±20.53 g) than in group A (416.67±14.67 g), whereas variation between groups B and C was not significant. Intake of DCP, TDN and ME Kcal/day was higher (P<0.01) in groups B and C than in group A. The feed conversion efficiency, protein retention efficiency and energetic efficiency were not affected by feeding urea treated rice straw. The results showed 4% urea+40% moisture seem to have an edge on 5% urea+30% moisture treatment.
Urea treatment, Ensilement, Growth, Nutrient utilization, Feed conversion efficiency, Crossbred calves
