Effect of Feeding Rice Straw Treated with Two Levels of Urea and Moisture on Growth and Nutrient Utilization in Crossbred Calves

Eighteen crossbred calves (8–12 months age, 90–150 kg b.wt.), randomly divided in three equal groups, were fed on untreated (A); 4% urea + 40% moisture (on DM basis) treated (B) and 5% urea+30% moisture (on DM basis) treated (C) rice straw. Treated straw was ensiled in cemented silos for 30 days. Rice straw was fed as a basal roughage alongwith concentrate mixture as per requirements for 120 days. The daily body weight gain was significantly (P<0.01) higher in groups B (562.50±26.42 g) and C (541.67±20.53 g) than in group A (416.67±14.67 g), whereas variation between groups B and C was not significant. Intake of DCP, TDN and ME Kcal/day was higher (P<0.01) in groups B and C than in group A. The feed conversion efficiency, protein retention efficiency and energetic efficiency were not affected by feeding urea treated rice straw. The results showed 4% urea+40% moisture seem to have an edge on 5% urea+30% moisture treatment.