Nitrogen Metabolism in Cattle Fed on Urine Treated Wheat Straw

Nine Karan-fries male cattle (2½ to 3 years) fitted with rumen cannulae were divided into 3 groups of 3 each and fed on wheat straw treated with animal urine (1 : 0, 2 :1 and 1:1) and ensiled for one month. The concentrate mixture was fed to meet the nutrient requirements of the animals.

The urine treatment increased the CP content (P <0.01) of the straw and in consequence the intake of DM(P > 0,05) and N (P < 0.01) from the straw by the animals were also raised, Bacterial production rates (g/d) in the rumen increased significantly (P < 0.05) from 251.28 ± 9.79 on untreated straw to 330.41 ± 22.39 and 423.83 ± 10.85 in straws treated with two levels of urine. The production of TCA ppt-N was correspondingly (P < 0.05) affected. The total N retained and that expressed as per cent of digestible N was also progressively raised (P < 0.05) with increase in the amount of urine used for treatment of straw.

The results suggested that animal urine may he efficiently recycled through treatment of straw to provide additional source of nitrogen.