Influence of urea molasses mineral blocks having bentonite as binder on the feed intake, nutrient utilization and economics of feeding of crossbred calves

Abstract

This experiment was conducted to study the effect of supplementation of urea mineral molasses block (UMMB) containing variable levels of urea and bentonite on nutrient utilization and economics of feeding of crossbred calves. Twenty four male crossbred calves were divided into four equal groups following completely randomized design and fed individually for 120 days. In Group 1, 70% of crude protein (CP) requirement was met through feeding of concentrate mixture and remaining CP was supplied through UMMB and ad lib. wheat straw (control). In Groups 2, 3 and 4, the feeding regimen followed was same as that of control except that UMMB was replaced with UMMB-A, UMMB-B, UMMB-C which vary in physical composition (wheat bran, urea, cement and bentonite content). There was no significant difference in feed intake and digestibility of macro-nutrients among the groups. Intake of UMMB was significantly lower in Group 4 as compared to the other groups. The nitrogen and phosphorus intake, excretion and retention was non-significant among the groups. A significant increase in calcium intake in Group 1 was observed. The excretion of calcium through faeces and calcium balance was non-significant among the groups. The feeding cost per kg bodyweight gain (`) was higher in Group 1 followed by 3, 2 and 4, respectively. On basis of present results, it may be concluded that supplementation of UMMB containing 15% urea and 10% cement can replace 30% crude protein of concentrate mixture without any adverse effect on feed intake, digestibility and nutrient utilization of crossbred calves.

Keywords

• Bentonite
• Crossbred calves
• Economics
• Nutrient utilization
• Urea molasses mineral blocks