Effect of Bensification of Dry Grass on Nutrient Utilization and Growth in Crossbred Calves

Dry grass (mlxtare of Cenchrus, Sehima, Bicanthium and Heteropogon sp.) was ienslfied at 350 - 400 kg/m3 with 2% urea and 5% molasses keeping 30% moisture and stored for 3 months. Simultaneously, a part of above mixed grass was kept as such. Twelve crossbred (Jersey x Hariana) female calves (16–22 m; 206.2 ±15.35 kg b.wt.) were divided into two groups (G1 & G2) of six each. Calves of group Gi & G2 were fed unprocessed and densifled dry grass, respectively along with a concentrate mixture for 85 days. Addition of urea (2%) increased CP content of dry grass from 3.54 to 4.84%. Average daily intake of DM (4.91 vs 5.08 kg), DCP (428) vs 423 g) and TDN (2.89 vs 2.87 kg) was comparable between the treatment groups. Similarly, there was no significant difference between the groups for digestibility of nntr lents. Average daily gain (ADG) was 296.4 and 269.7 g in groups Gl and G2, respectively which differed non-significantly. The study revealed that above densifled grass can be stored for three months without adversely affecting nutritional value of grass.