Evaluation of Different Methods of Storagi of Urea Treated Rice Straw

Uncharted rice straw in lots of 500 kg was urea ammoniated and stored for 21d either by open stak (OUTS) or covered with polythene sheet (CUTS) or In a pit (PUTS). In experiment 1, 12 crossbred (Halstein Friessian Jersey-Tharparkar) buliocks (4 yrs; 244 kg) were randomly divided into 3 equal groups and were fed either dry untreated rice strew (DS), or OUTS or PUTS for 15d. The CUTS and PUTS were sundried to 90% DM before feeding. In experiment n, 8 crossbred (Holstein frieslan x Jersey-Tharparkar) bullocks (5 yrs; 311 kg) were randomll divided into 2 2qual groups and fed CUTS or PUTS for 21d. The CUTS or PUTS were aerated for 48-72h to 80-90% DM prior to feeding in this experiment The N content of the treated staw Improved ssgnificantly (P<0.05) compared to the untreated one. In Expt 1, there was no effect of diet on DM intake although Intake tended to be higher for OUTS and CUTS as compared to DS. While, there was no effect on the digestibilities of DM, OM and ADF of treated straws, the NDF digestibility was significantly (P<0.05) higher in CUTS than OUTS. In Expt. II, the DMI/d was significantly (P<0.05) higher for PUTS than OUTS. Howevee, there were no differences in the digestibility of major dietary constituents In both types of straws. Results Indicated that the urea-ammonia treatment under air tight conditions was more effective than open stacking.