Nutrient Utilization of Urea Supplemented, Urea and Alkali Treated Wheat Straw in Buffaloes

Twelve growing male buffaloes (2 yrs, 225.2 kg)) divided into 3 groups, were fed wheat straw (T1), wheat straw treated with 2% Ca (OH)2 +1% NaOH (T2) and wheat straw treated with 4% urea (T3). Rations of groups T1 and T2 were mixed 70g urea daily. All the animals were provided vitamin and mineral mixture supplement. Total DM intake and nutrients digestibility except that of CP were significantly (P<0.01) higher in T1 and T3 than in T2, CP digestibility was lowest in group T3. ME intake was higher than maintenance requirement by 20.8 and 21.0%, respectively in T1 and T3. RDN intake was sufficient for maintenance in group T1 and higher by 14% in group T3 It was concluded that wheat straw supplemented with urea N and minerals was comparable to 4% urea treated straw.