National Dairy Development Board, Anand - 338 001, India
Online published on 5 January, 2012.
Twelve female Surti buffalo calves (12-14 m; 145-162 kg) were equally divided into two groups and fed on untreated paddy stravv ad lib + free access to urea molasses mineral block lick (UMMB; Gp. 1) and 2.5% (w/w) ammonia treated paddy straw ad lib + free access to UMMB (gp II). In addition all the animals were also offered 1 kg concentrate mixture + 2 kg green fodder. Total DM intake was not significantly different in group I and II. Straw intake (g/w0.7S kg) was significantly (P<0.01) higher in group II (94 ±2.04) than in group I (83 ± 2.87). UMMB intake (g/d) was significantly (P<0.05) higher in group I (246 ± 1732) than in group II (185 ± 18.22). Daily weight gain was not significantly different in both the groups. Animals in group I and II attained maturity at the age of 23 and 21m, respectively. Cost per kg gain was significantly (P<0.05) lower in group I (Rs. 9.49 ± 1.16) as compared to group II (Rs. 12.99 ± 0.88).
