Effect of UMMB Lick Supplementation on Rumen Metabolites and Microbial Activity in Male Buffalo Calves (Bubalus bubalis).

Fifteen rumen fistulated male buffalo calves were divided into three groups of five animals each and were fed upon conventional diet, wheat straw alone and wheat straw supplemented with urea molasses mineral block (UMMB). Rumen liquor samples were collected at different time intervals for 3 consecutive days after 21 days. The results revealed that the ruminal pH, SAT and MBRT values were significantly (P<0.05) lower while levels of TVFA, NH3-N and total nitrogen were significantly (P<0.05) higher in UMMB supplemented group than other groups. The Body weight was significantly (P<0.05) increased in UMMB supplemented group and on conventional diet as compared to exclusively fed wheat straw group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]