Development of on-farm mechanized urea treatment process during threshing and utilization of urea treated wheat straw in lactating Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

Abstract

The present study was conducted to mechanize the urea treatment method during threshing and subsequently, the treated straw was nutritionally evaluated in lactating Murrah buffaloes for a period of 90 days. The cost of urea treatment of straw in mechanized process was only Rs 26 per quintal. Buffaloes had comparable dry matter intake (DMI) on untreated and urea treated diets, however, roughage intake was significantly (P<0.05) higher in UTWS group than UWS group. The nutrient intake (kg/day) in terms of digestible crude protein (DCP) and ME (M cal/ day) from composite diet was comparable in both the groups. Buffaloes had similar DM, OM and CP digestibility on both types of diets. However, buffaloes had higher (P<0.05) NDF (53.40 vs 48.91%) and ADF (51.18 vs 46.46%) digestibility on UTWS diet than UWS diet. Milk yield (6% FCM) by buffaloes fed UWS and UTWS diets was similar. The percent milk fat, CP, TS and SNF were also non-significant (P>0.05) on both the groups. Based on market milk price of Rs 30/kg, buffaloes fed UTWS diet had higher (P<0.05) net return (Rs 11.63 vs 9.23 /kg milk) compared to UWS diet. It was concluded that bulk quantity of straw can be treated simultaneously with urea without disturbing existing threshing mechanism and farmers need not to spent any additional labour and time for urea treatment. Feeding of urea treated straw not only economized the diet of lactating buffaloes but also increased straw intake leading to better use of straw offered.