Rumen Fermentation Pattern in Buffaloes Fed Wheat Straw with Varying Levels of Urea

Twelve fistulated male Murrah buffaloes were randomly distributed into 4 groups of 3 animals in each. Different urea levels (T1 -0g, T2-15 g, T3 - 30 g and T4-45 g) in the form of solution were mixed with wheat straw and ltd ad-libtum to all the animals to obtain different NH3 levels in the rumen. Crashed, maize grain was fed to all the animals to meet the energy requirement. The DM Intake from wheat straw, total DMI and OM intake were not significantly affected by different levels of urea. The rumen fluid volume and its flow rate were found to be similar in all the groups. However, the pH, N fractions and TVFA in SRL were found to be significantly (P<0.01) different among the groups. Better rumen fermentaiion and microbial production were observed in T4 group where the rumen NH3-N value was 14 mg per 100 ml SRL.