Influence of feeding raw bagasse pithlurea treated bagasse pith on intake and utilization of nutrients in crossbred bulls

Abstract

Adult 12 crossbred bulls (mean body wt 251.5*7.55 kg) were randomly divided into 3 groups of 4 each following RBD. In group I , animals were fed a complete ration consisting of 50% wheat straw, 10% maize, 15% soybean, 13.5% wheat bran, 10% molasses, 1% mineral mixture and 0.5% common salt to meet out maintenance requirements. In groups 2 and 3, animals were fed complete.rations having 50% raw bagasse pith and 50% urea ammonia treated BP (4% urea, 40% moisture and 21 days storage) in place of wheat straw respectively. The concentrate to roughage ratio was 50:50 and experimental feeding was continued for 28 days followed by a metabofism trial of 6 days. Mean intake of DM, CP, DCP and TDN was significantly (Pi0.05) higher in group 3 compared to groups 1 and 2. The digestibility of DM and NDF was significantly (P<0.05) lower in comparison to groups 1 and 3, which were comparable. However, digestibility of other fibre fractions (ADF and cellulose) was significantly (P<0.05) higher in group 3 compared to groups 1 and 2, which were also significantly different. The total N intake was significantly (P<0.05) higher in group 3 compared to groups 1 and 2, which were also significantly different. However, N retention was significantly (P<0.05) higher in group 3 than that of group 2 which was comparable with group 1. The calcium intake and its retention were significantly (P