Growth Performance and Economics of Urea Treated Soybean Straw Based Pelleted Complete Ration in Kids

Twelve non-descript local kids were randomly divided into two treatment (T₁ and T₂) groups of six each (7.85, 7.58 kg BW). Kids of group T₁ were fed on pelleted complete ration (11.49% CP) containing 60% untreated soybean straw plus 40% concentrate whereas, the kids in group T₂ were fed on pelleted complete ration (11.56% CP) containing 60% urea treated soybean straw (4% urea solution) plus 40% concentrate. DMI (g/day) was significantly (P<0.01) higher in group T₁ (702.38) than in group T₂ (680.08). Similarly, DMI (kg/100 kg BW) was higher (P<0.05) in group T₁ (4.40) than in group T₂ (4.11). Average body weight gain was 10.80 and 11.04 kg in groups T₁ and T₂, respectively. Average daily gain in groups T₁ and T₂ was 63.97 and 71.18 g/day, respectively. The feed conversion efficiency (10.91) in group T₁ was higher (P<0.01) than in group T₂ (9.57). The cost of feed per kg live weight gain was higher in gtoup T₁ (Rs. 57.90) than in group T₂ (Rs. 51.66). It was concluded that urea treated soybean straw can be economically incorporated in pelleted complete ration at 60% level to meet nutrient requirements for kids.