Rumen Fluid Volume, Liquid Digesta and Solid Particles Flow Rate in Crossbred Calves Fed Wheat Straw Supplemented with Either Concentrate Mixture or Urea Molasses Mineral Block Licks

Rumen fluid volume (RFV) and flow rate of liquid and solid digests were estimated in 16 male rumen fistulated crossbred (Sahiwal x Holstcin Friesian) calves (18-24 m; 172-202 kg) divided into four equal groups and fed wheat straw ad lib as the basal roughage supplemented with either concentrate mixture (Gp I) or urea molasses mineral block (UMMB) lick (existing, Gp II) or modified UMMB lick A (Gp III) or B (Gp IV). RFV (1) and flow rate of liquid digesta (l/h) were not found different (P>0.05) amongst groups (I 22.50±2.01, 1.07±0.10; II 22.75+1.48, 1.09±0.10; III 22.88±2.06, 1.02±0.12; IV 23.38±1.70, 1.13±0.09). RFV was 9.87 to 10.24 per centof body weight. Asignificant (P<6.01) and positive correlation existed between RFV and body weight, DMI and water Intake; a multiple regression equation was also developed. However passage rate of solid digesta (g/d) was not different amongst groups (I 2099±58.33; II 2142±44.14; III 2071±10.63; IV 1994±95.67). These studies thus, indicated that RFV and flow rate of liquid and solid digesta were not affected when UMMB lick was incorporated in the wheat straw basal diet of adult ruminants.