Evaluation of Urea Treated Deoijled Sal (Shorea-robusta) Seed Meal in Calves

A growth trial of 280 days was conducted on 3 groups of crossbred (Holstein Frieslan x Non-descrlpt indigenous) male calves using 0,20 and 30% urea treated deoiled salseed meal (DSSM) as one of the ingredients of standard concentrate mixture. In the middle of the growth trial, a metabolic trial was done and at the end, blood samples of all calves were taken. Daily body weight gain in groups I (414±16.20 g) and II (416±12.76 g) was significantly higher than that in group III (365 ± 6.30 g). Dry matter intake (kg/100 kg b.wt.) and digestibility co-efficients of nutrients except that of CP did not differ significantly among groups. CP digestibility and feed conversion efficiency were significantly (P<0.01) lower in group III. All the groups were in positive balances of N, Ca and P and did not differ significantly each other. SGOT, SGPT, total serum protein, blood urea nitrogen, blood calcium, blood phosphorus and WBC count did not differ significantly among groups, whereas, the haemoglobin percentage in group III was significantly (P<0.01) lower than in group I. Feed cost/kg-gain in body weight was significantly higher in group III (Rs. 18.74) than in groups I (Rs. 17.41) and II (Rs. 17.45). It was concluded that urea treated DSSM may safely replace 20 percent concentrate mixture of growing male calves.