A growth trial of 105 days was conducted on sixteen Murrah buffalo calves randomly divided into four groups and fed on untreated (A), 2% urea impregnated (B), 3% (C) and 4% (D) ammonia treated wheat straw as basal roughage. The mean values of body weight gains (g/day) were 461.91 ±13.75, 435.72±16.21, 561.90±3.89 and 547.60±20.02 in A, B, C and D groups respectively. The apparent digestibilities of DM, OM, CF, NDF, ADF and cellulose were significantly higher (P<0.01) in groups fed on ammoniated straw. The average N intakes (g/day) in A, B, C and D were 92.53 ± 1.39, 96.50±5.28, 104.39±4.56 and 107.43±6 49 respectively with Corresponding N balances of 23.56±0.84, 21.14±0.84, 27.11 ±0.76 and 27.00±0.70. DCP intake (g/day) increased significantly due to feeding of ammoniated straw, but TDN intake did not increase.
