Nutrient Utilization and Passage Rate of Digesta on Feeding of Urea Supplemented and Urea Ammoniated Wheat Straw in Cross-Bred Cattle

A feeding -cum-metabolism experiment was conducted on eight rumen fistulated adult cross-bred cattle divided Into two equal groups fed on ad lib wheat straw either Impregnated with 2 per cent urea, 10 per cent molasses (Gp I) or treated and ensiled with 4 per cent urea, 40 per cent moisture for 4 weeks (Gp. II). DM intake (Kg/d) in the two groups was 6.98± 0.71 and 6.07±036 (P>0.05) respectively. The OM digestibility increased (P< 0.05) from 55.25 ± 1.19 per cent in GP I to 60.10±1.17 per cent in GP II with corresponding increase (P<0.01) in CF digestibility from 42.69 ± 1.51 to 52.86 ± 0.64 per cent. The CP digestibility was similar in both the groups but the DCP contents was higher (P<0.05) in urea treated straw. However, the TDN content was higher (P<0.05) in urea-molasses supplemented straw. N balances in the two groups were 3.58+1.19 and 4.03±153 g/d respectively. The passage rate of digesta in the two groups was similar but the turnover time was significantly (P<0.05) higher in GP II than in GP I. The lower (P<0.01) cost of feeding in urea treated group suggested an economical means of increasing the nutritive value of wheat straw.