Effect of Feeding Formaldehyde Treated Barley on Nutrient Utilization and Growth Rate in Crossbred Calves

Fourteen crossbred calves (HF x Hariana), divided into two groups, were fed on concentrate mixture, green fodder and wheat straw ad lib. The barley portion of control ration was fully replaced in treatment group by formaldehyde treated barley (1%, w/w). The DM and DCP intakes per day were significantly higher in treatment group but TDN intake remained similar in both groups. Body weight gain was significantly (P<0.01) higher in treatment group then control. The digestibility of all nutrients remained unaffected except for crude protein which reduced significantly in treatment group. Nitrogen excretion through urine and nitrogen balance between groups varied significantly (P<0.01).