**Division of PalholosyIndian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar-243122, India
Animal Nutrition Division, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar-243122, India
*Present address: Division of Animal Reproduction, Indian Vetcrinery Research Institute, Izatnagar, 243122, India
A long term study,conducted on 9 male crossbred (Holstein Friesian x Huryuna) calves (lyr; 112-208 kg) where alkali treated mahua (Bassia latifolia) seed cake (MSC) was supplemented in the ration, clearly showed that the soaking of MSC in a solution of NaOH at 5 and 10 % levels (W/W) for 24 li iesulted di n aistinct improvement in the digestibility yo protein, utilization of absorbed-N and intake of TDN. The calves fed alkali treated MSC recorded a body weight gain of 639.3+16.0 g/d over a period of 295 d. The health of these animals was althrough robust. Their semen characteristics were normal at maturity and on slaughter different vital organs did not reveal any pathological lesions. Incriminating factors present in MSC could thus be detoxified by alkali treatment and the treated MSC could be effectively utilised in the ration of ruminants.
