Urea-molasses Block Research Articles

Effect of Moringa oleifera Leaves Supplementation via Urea Molasses Block on Milk Yield and Composition, Hematological and Blood Biochemical Profile in Azikheli Buffaloes

Effect of Moringa oleifera Leaves Supplementation via Urea Molasses Block on Milk Yield and Composition, Hematological and Blood Biochemical Profile in Azikheli Buffaloes

Peningkatan Pengetahuan Masyarakat Poto’an Daya Kecamatan Palengngaan Kabupaten Pamekasan tentang Pakan Tambahan “Kue Sapi” untuk Ternak Ruminansia

The UNIRA Faculty of Agriculture Lecturer's Community Service Program (PPM) collaborated with the Rumah Cahaya Village Library (PERPUSDESRC) Poto'an Daya Village, Palengngaan District, Pamekasan Regency to increase ruminant livestock production in the village, it is necessary to increase public knowledge of additional feed from agricultural waste, one of which is the addition of Urea Molasses Block (UMB) with additional herbal components to increase appetite, reduce worm contamination, and increase microbial synthesis in the rumen, known as catle cake. The participation method is used in preparing plans, implementing actions and discussing priority programs to be implemented with Partner representatives. There were 19 members who took part in the training, based on the results of the pre and post test participants' understanding of knowledge about feed, livestock needs and utilization of feed ingredients¸, the difference was not too large. Overall, there was a change in participants' understanding of doubts about the use and processing of additional feed in the form of catle cake.

Effect of Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa L.) Hay Supplementation and Urea Molasses Block on Feed Intake, Digestibility, and Body Weight Change of Yearling Local Sheep Fed Grass Hay as Basal Diet

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of supplementation of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) hay and urea molasses block on feed intake, digestibility, and body weight change of yearling local sheep fed with grass hay as a basal diet. The rationale for supplementation of alfalfa hay with urea molasses block 1) high-producing animals protein need cannot exclusively met from rumen microbial sources; 2) protein is the most expensive nutrient of ruminant animal feed. Twenty-four yearling intact male local sheep with a mean initial body weight of 23.9±1.9 (Mean ± SD) were used in a completely randomized block design. Treatments were 1% of live weight alfalfa hay (1A), 1.5% of live weight alfalfa hay (1.5A), 2.0% of live weight alfalfa hay (2A), and all three treatments offered with 100g/head/day of Urea-molasses-block (UMB). The control treatment was supplemented with concentrate mix at 2.0% of live weight (C). In addition, all treatments were fed grass hay ad libitum. The study period consisted of 84 days of feeding and 7 days of digestibility tests. Total dry matter intake was 1015.65, 925.41, 956.16, and 1078.13 (SE=± 19.4) for C, 1A, 1.5A, and 2A, respectively and 1A was lower than 2A and similar with 1.5A and C. Apparent crude protein digestibility and Crude protein intake of 2A was statistically similar to C. But, higher than 1A and 1.5A. Average daily gain was 109.33, 54.76, 55.36, and 63.1 (SE=± 6.13) g/day for C, 1A, 1.5A, and 2A, respectively and the values were the highest for C. The study showed that concentrate supplementation at 2% body weight resulted in greater body weight gain, crude protein intake and apparent crude protein digestibility. Additionally, the weight gain achieved at all grade levels of alfalfa plus in combination with the same amount of urea molasses block was commendable. But, considering the accessibility and cost of conventional concentrate mixture, 2% of Live Weight Alfalfa hay with 100g/head/day urea molasses block is recommended as an alternative supplement regime for better sheep performance.

Penyuluhan dan Pelatihan Pembuatan UMB (Urea Molasses Block) Pada Peternak Sapi Potong di Desa Blengorwetan, Kecamatan Ambal, Kabupaten Kebumen

Blengorwetan Village, Ambal District, Kebumen Regency is an area with the potential for developing Kebumen PO cattle farms, but has problems in terms of fulfilling animal feed nutrients. The majority of farmers provide feed in the form of dry rice straw, which is low in protein, vitamins, and minerals, and high in crude fiber. Based on these problems, this community service activity aims to provide counseling and training on the manufacture of Urea Molasses Block (UMB) to farmers. Urea Molasses Block (UMB) is an animal feed supplement that serves to improve the nutritional value of animal feed; digestion and digestibility of animal feed substances will be more efficient and improved; consumption of ruminant feed will increase, and avoid vitamin and mineral deficiencies. The methods used include field surveys, discussions with village officials, socialization to increase the knowledge of farmers about UMB, and training in making UMB which is followed in a participatory manner by the community. Trials of giving UMB to livestock by the community show UMB is favored by livestock and can increase animal feed consumption. Based on the activities that have been carried out, it can be concluded several things, namely (1) the training on making UMB has been successfully implemented with indicators of understanding and skills of cattle farmers increasing regarding UMB products and how to manufacture them, (2) UMB products produced are of sufficient quality and favored by livestock. , (3) further breeders wish to make UMB products independently for consumption by their own livestock, with the hope of increasing livestock productivity. Keywords: Urea Molasses Block, Livestock, Feed Supplement

Counseling and Socialization About Making Cow Candy as Supplementary Feed for Ruminants

Additional feed Forage is defined as feed that contains relatively higher crude fiber or undigested material. than concentrate. To achieve high livestock productivity, additional micro elements such as minerals and vitamins are required. Urea Molasses Block (UMB) is one type of supplement feed that contains these micro elements. This service partner is the Hasta Karya Jorong Solok Dalam Farmer Group. One of the things that can be done is by managing and utilizing Gambir Leaf Waste which is the residue from the extraction of gambier sap into something useful and useful as one of the ingredients in making cow candy. The purpose of this community service activity is to increase the participation of the Polytechnic. Payakumbuh State Agriculture in applying technology in accordance with the needs and conditions of farming communities in the field and adding insight and knowledge of farmer groups in making candy cows as additional feed for ruminants.

Participation of Sipakainge group members during Urea Molasses Block (UMB) production in Barru District, Barru Regency, South Sulawesi, Indonesia

This activity aimed to determine the participation of Sipakainge group members in the making of the Urea Molasses Block (UMB) in Barru District, Barru Regency. This activity was carried out on July 2020 in Seppee Village, Barru District, Barru Regency. The activity was attended by 20 members of the Sipakainge group, 5 extension officers in Barru sub-district, and Seppee village officials. The activity was carried out using the FGD (Focus Group of Discussion) method and the activity of making UMB together with group members. The results of the activity showed that the participation of group members was very high by actively discussing the process of making UMB and in making UMB actively.

Herbal anthelmintic: the effectiveness of worm infections control in sheep using urea molasses block containing tobacco (nicotiana tabacum) waste

The purpose of this study was to determine the ideal composition of tobacco waste (Nicotiana tabacum) as a herbal anthelmintic element from local ingredients added to UMB (Urea Molasses Block) and to determine effectiveness for controlling worm infection in sheep. The method used is to make UMB with the addition of tobacco waste. The calculation of EPG (eggs per gram) of worm eggs was used as an evaluation for the degree of infection using Whitlock chamber tools. The degree of infection will be evaluated as the basis for assessing the effectiveness of UMB from tobacco waste in experimental animals. The experimental animals were 10 sheep aged 1 - 2 years (ethical clearance number: 0019/EC-FKH/Eks./2020) infected with worms naturally divided into 4 groups, each group was given UMB containing tobacco waste 0%, 1%, 3%, and 5%. The results of the study concluded that UMB with the addition of 5% of tobacco waste had the potential to control helminthiasis in sheep. Other results of this study also presented a prototype of UMB products containing herbal anthelmintics (tobacco waste) which could be further developed as an alternative solution before being produced as one of the livestock products that have added value.

Feed Quality and Feeding Level Effects on Faecal Composition in East African Cattle Farming Systems.

Simple SummarySub-Saharan cattle are often exposed to a feed reduction caused by a seasonal lack of forage, which was investigated in the first experiment. The supplementation of roughage-based diets with sweet potato vine silage and urea molasses blocks is recommended to improve the growth of heifers, in particular, which was investigated in the second experiment. Across all data, the fungal C/bacterial C ratio was positively related to nitrogen and negatively to neutral detergent fiber concentrations in feces. This diet-induced shift in the fecal microbial community is relevant for the fertilizer quality of cattle faces after application to soil.Effects of feeding levels below maintenance requirements of metabolizable energy (MER) and of feed supplementation on fecal nutrient and microbial C concentrations were evaluated. In experiment 1, Rhodes grass hay only was offered to Boran steers at 80%, 60%, and 40% of individual MER, while steers at 100% MER additionally received a concentrated mixture. This reduction in MER decreased N, increased fungal C but did not affect bacterial C concentrations in feces. In experiment 2, Holstein × Boran heifers were offered a poor-quality roughage diet without supplement, with sweet potato vine silage or with a urea-molasses block. These two supplements did not affect the fecal chemical composition or fungal C but increased bacterial C concentrations in feces. Across all data, the fungal C/bacterial C ratio was positively related to N and negatively to neutral detergent fiber concentrations in feces, indicating diet-induced shifts in the fecal microbial community.

Evaluation of multi-nutrient block supplementation on nutrient intake and growth performance of Yankasa rams fed based diet of cowpea shell and maize offal

The effects of supplementing different urea molasses blocks to Yankasa Rams fed maize offal-based diet on nutrient intake, growth performance and economics of production were evaluated. Yankasa rams fed cowpea shell and maize offal-based diets mixed in a ratio of 1:3 supplemented with urea molasses block (UMB). The supplementary blocks were formulated to contain 0, 5, 10 and 15% urea. Twenty Yankasa rams were used for the experiment with initial body weights range of 16-20kg and randomly allocated to four treatment groups of five animals each in completely randomized designed. Data on feed and water intake, body weight change were measured. Rams were fed both the basal diet and supplements ad libitum. The result revealed no significant (P>0.05) difference in basal feed (579.38-595.18g/day), UMB (60.78-96.50g/day) and dry matter intakes (584.36-609.33 g/day) among the treatments. Rams on treatment 3 recorded the highest average daily weight gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) (101.43 g/day, 5.93) than those on treatment 2 (48.57 g/day, 12.37) with the least. The cost of UMB/kg was least in treatment 3 (N 46.66) compared to those on treatment 1(N 83.66), 2(N 113.05) and 4(N 50.39). Supplementation of urea molasses block improved growth performance and FCR. Urea up to 15% may be included in urea molasses blocks without any detrimental effects on performance. However, including urea at 10% in UMB gave the highest ADG and FCR and therefore may be recommended for growing Yankasa rams

Peningkatan Kapasitas Dalam Teknologi Pakan Dan Pengolahan Limbah Ternak Pada Kelompok Peternak Sapi Potong Di Desa Mattirowalie, Kec. Libureng, Kab. Bone

Knowledge of animal feed and waste is an important component in building the livestock industry. The aspectof availability of feed and the production of livestock waste is one of the problems by cattle farmers in MattirowalieVillage, Libureng Sub-District, Bone Regency. Efforts to increase the capacity of farmers in solving these problems areneeded to increase the productivity of their livestock. This program aims to increase knowledge for farmers of beef cattlein processing agricultural and livestock waste into feed products and processing them into organic fertilizer. This activityis an implementation of the Program Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat Unhas (PPMU) Program Kemitraan Masyarakat(PKM). This activity was carried out in Mattirowalie Village, Libureng Sub-District, Bone Regency. The partner groupsinvolved as targets were the "Kurusumange" and "Masempo Dalle" farmers group (FG). The number of trainingparticipants involved in this activity is approximately 25 peoples, overall were cattle farmers with 2-3 cattle/person. Theimplementation of technology introduction programs was carried out in the form of training programs and technologyassistance. Several technology packages that have been implemented were: 1) ammoniation technology, 2) complete feedsilage fermentation technology, 3) manufacturing of local microorganism (LM) technology and 4) Urea Molasses Block(UMB) manufacturing technology. The results of the implementation of activities to increase the capacity of partnermembers in processing agricultural waste and livestock into alternative animal feed and organic fertilizer

Aplikasi Teknologi Pakan Dan Pengolahan Limbah Ternak Pada Kelompok Peternak Sapi Pedaging Di Kabupaten Bantaeng

Feed and animal waste aspects are an important component and become the main problem of beef farmers inBantaeng District. The potential of agricultural and livestock waste is very large, however, until now has not been fullyutilized. The objective of this activity is to increase the capacity of beef farmers to utilize the potential of agricultural andlivestock waste into feed and organic fertilizer products. In addition, it is “Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi”. The “Ipteksbagi Masyarakat (IbM)” programs become one of the solution to the problem. IbM programs for beef farmers has beenimplemented in Ulugalung village, Eremerasa Sub-district, Bantaeng District, South Sulawesi province. Partners of beeffarmer group involved are Livestock Farmer Group (LFG) "Samaturu" and "Cappa Buri". The method of application oftechnology program was implemented in the form of training program and technology assistance. Some of the technologypackages that have been implemented are: 1) straw ammoniac technology processing, 2) complete silage fermentationtechnology, 3) liquid organic fertilizer manufacturing technology (biourin) and local microorganism manufacturingtechnology (MOL) and 4) Urea Molasses Block (UMB) supplement feeding technology. The results of the activities canincrease the capacity of partner members in processing agricultural and livestock waste as animal feed and organicfertilizer

A study: nutrient content evaluation of dried poultry waste urea molasses block (dpw-umb) on proximate analysis

The research purpose was to determine the nutrient content of dried poultry waste molasses block (DPW-UMB). The use of dried poultry waste in the manufacture of the urea-molasses block was as a substitute of urea and could improve the value added in dry season. The treatments used for research were T 1 (15% manure layer chicken and 25% molasses), T 2 (10% manure layer chicken and 30% molasses), and T 3 (20% manure layer chicken and 30% molasses). Chemical analysis: the dried of poultry waste were analyzed for dry matter, crude protein, crude fiber, ash, fat, and gross energy. The statistical formulation diet composed of Microsoft Excel Ver. 2016. The results showed that the 20% manure layer chicken and 30% molasses (T 3 ) were better than T 2 and T 1 on nutrient content with 92.04% Dry Matter (DM), 13.34% Crude Protein (CP), 13.39% Crude Fiber (CF), 37.16% ash, 3.44% fat, but low in Gross Energy (GE) (2631.63 kcal/kg). It could be concluded that dpw-umb T3 were dried of poultry waste contained sufficient levels of gross energy, crude protein, crude fiber, ash, and fat it could be used as feedstuff for ruminants for supplementation with the required nutrients.

Dried of Poultry Waste Urea-Molasses Block (dpw-umb) as Potential for Feed Supplementation

ABSTRACT. The research purpose was to determine the nutrient content of dried poultry waste molasses block (DPW-UMB). The use of dried poultry waste in the manufacture of the urea-molasses block was as a substitute of urea and could improve the value added in dry season. The treatments used for research were T1 (15% manure layer chicken and 25% molasses), T2 (10% manure layer chicken and 30% molasses), and T3 (20% manure layer chicken and 30% molasses). Chemical analysis: the dried of poultry waste were analyzed for dry matter, crude protein, crude fibre, ash, fat, and gross energy. The statistical formulation diet composed with Microsoft Excel Ver. 2016. The results showed that the 20% manure layer chicken and 30% molasses (T3) were better than T2 and T1 on nutrient content with 92.04% Dry Matter (DM), 13.34% Crude Protein (CP), 13.39% Crude Fiber (CF), 37.16% ash, 3.44% fat, but low in Gross Energy (GE) (2631.63 kcal/kg). It could be concluded that dpw-umb T3 were dried of poultry waste contained sufficient levels of gross energy, crude protein, crude fibre, ash, and fat it could be used as feedstuff for ruminants for supplementation with the required nutrients.(Kotoran Ayam Molasses (Kamblok) Sebagai Potensi Supplementasi Pakan) ABSTRAK. Tujuan penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji kandungan nutrisi dari Kotoran Ayam Molasses Blok (KAMBLOK) dengan analisis proksimat. Sebagai bahan pengganti urea dengan kotoran ayam kering dalam pembuatan urea molasses blok dan meningkatkan nilai tambah dalam suplementasi Kotoran Ayam Molasses Blok (KAMBLOK) pada musim kemarau. Perlakuan yang digunakan pada penelitian ini adalah Kotoran Ayam Molasses Blok (KAMBLOK) dengan T1 (Kotoran Ayam Petelur 15% dan Molasses 25%), T2 (Kotoran Ayam Petelur 10% dan Molasses 30%), T3 (Kotoran Ayam Petelur 20% dan Molasses 30%). Analisis kandungan nutrisi yang dilakukan adalah bahan kering, protein kasar, serat kasar, abu, lemak, dan gross energi. Analisis statistik menggunakan Microsoft excel versi 2016. Hasil Penelitian menunjukan Kotoran Ayam Molasses Blok (KAMBLOK) T3 lebih baik dari T2 dan T1 pada bahan kering (BK) 92, 04%, protein kasar (PK) 13,34%, serat kasar (SK) 13,39%, abu 37,16%, lemak 3,44% tetapi rendah dalam gross energi (GE) adalah 2.631,63 kal/kg. Kesimpulan dari penelitian ini adalah kotoran ayam mengandung beberapa kandungan yaitu protein kasar, gross energy, serat kasar, abu, dan lemak yang bisa digunakan sebagai pakan potensial untuk supplementasi.

Anthelmintic activity of AAU/CI herbal formulation incorporated urea molasses block in goats naturally infected with gastrointestinal nematodes

Crossbred goats (48) of almost similar age group and body weight, positive for gastrointestinal nematodosis were randomly divided into 8 groups of 6 each. The egg per gram of faeces was determined prior to the treatment (0 day) and at every 15 days interval up to 100 days post treatment. The herbal formulation consisted of sample AAU/CI incorporated into urea molasses block (UMB) and was fed @ 15g/animal/ day. There was 100% efficacy of the MUMB (FBZ) administered in group 1 in stall feeding animal and 84.45±9.99% in group 3 MUMB (FBZ) grazing animal respectively. The overall efficacy of MUMB (AAU/CI) in stall feeding and grazing animals (group 5 and 6) were 78.33±11.33 and 90.48±6.02 respectively. The overall efficacy of UMB administered in stall feeding and grazing animal (group 2 and 4) was 20.37±3.42 and 1.52±1.52% respectively. There was significant (P<0.05) difference between the different groups at different ages. From the observations it is evident that the faecal egg count of helminth infected goats reduced significantly following the treatment with the herbal formulation.

Relative economic benefits of tactical anthelmintic treatment and urea-molasses block supplementation of Boer goats raised under extensive grazing conditions at Onderstepoort, Pretoria, South Africa

The potential economic benefits of combining tactical anthelmintic treatment for gastrointestinal nematodes and nutritional supplementation with urea-molasses blocks were examined in Boer goats raised under extensive grazing conditions in the summer rainfall area of South Africa. Eight groups of nine goats were monitored over a 12-month period from 1 October 2002 to 9 October 2003. Ad libitum nutritional supplementation with urea-molasses blocks was provided when the goats were housed at night, during the summer (wet season--December 2002 to February 2003), and/or the winter (dry season--June 2003 to August 2003). All the goats were treated symptomatically for Haemonchus contortus infection when deemed necessary by clinical examination of the conjunctiva for anaemia using the FAMACHA system. Half the groups were tactically treated for gastrointestinal nematodes in mid-summer (28 January 2003). Under the symptomatic treatment, climatic and extensive grazing conditions encountered during the trial, feed supplementation in the winter dry season had the greatest economic benefit and is therefore recommended. Tactical anthelmintic treatment afforded no additional advantage, but the nematode challenge was low.

Effect of urea-molasses block supplementation on grazing weaner goats naturally infected with gastrointestinal nematodes

The influence of feeding urea-molasses blocks (UMB) on growth and gastrointestinal (GI) nematode parasitism of weaner goats grazing the same pasture was investigated on a farm in Nyandarua District, Kenya. Thirty female Small East African goat kids at an average age of 5 months were initially treated with albendazole orally (5 mg kg(-1) body mass) and randomly assigned into one of two groups: group I were fed UMB prepared using a cold process and group II kids (controls) received no block supplementation (NBS). The UMB were given in the evening when the animals returned from grazing and were consumed during the night at a rate of 95.0 g head(-1) day(-1). Supplementation was undertaken for 3 consecutive months from July to September 2001 and January to March 2002. Body mass of the kids and faecal egg counts were measured monthly and larval cultures were performed on positive faecal samples of kids of each group. Five goats from each group were randomly selected for slaughter and total counts and identification of worms at the end of June 2002. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were found in cumulative mass gains of kids in group I from September compared with those in group II. On termination of the study kids in group I had gained an average of (+/- SD) 20.4 +/- 1.4 kg while those in group II had gained 11.8 +/- 1.1 kg. From January 2002, faecal egg counts of the kids in the UMB group differed significantly (P < 0.05) from those of the NBS group and at slaughter, the mean (+/- SD) worm counts for the UMB group was 482 +/- 299 while that of the NBS group was 1 302 +/- 410. In all the goats, Haemonchus contortus was the predominant nematode recovered. These results indicate that UMB had significant effects in the control of GI nematode parasitism and enhanced growth of the young goats.

Impact of Three Categories of Supplements on In Sacco Ruminal Degradation of Urea-Treated and Untreated Straw Substrates

The objective of this study was to examine the impact of three categories of supplements on intake and diet induced difference on degradation of straw substrates. Sixteen crossbred cattle fitted with rumen cannula were randomly divided into 4 equal groups. Animals were fed on wheat straw ad libitum without any supplement except mineral mixture (control; T1) or supplemented with concentrate mixture (CS; T2) or green Lucerne (GLS; T3) or urea-molasses block lick (ULS; T4). Total dry matter intake in T2, T3 and T4 was increased by 70, 54 and 49%, respectively compared to T1 which was only 1.55 kg/100 kg B.Wt. Other than control animals, straw intake was less on T3 than T2 or T4. In Sacco degradation of untreated and urea treated wheat or paddy straw in different treatments indicated that the supplements had a significant (p<0.01) impact on rapidly soluble (A) and insoluble but potentially degradable (B) fractions of straw. Urea treatment increased fraction-A but, provision of supplement improved fraction-B also. Effective degradation (ED) of OM was better on T2. Rate of degradation (C) of OM and CWC was dependent on diet and type of straw but hemicellulose and cellulose were related to latter factor only. ED of cell wall carbohydrates (CWC) was similar in T2 and T4 but higher than T3. CS was more effective in improving the degradation of both untreated and urea treated straw while ULS was effective on the former only. CS had more impact on superior quality straw while contrary was true with ULS. Although GLS improved intake and degradability of untreated and urea treated straws, its bulkiness affected the straw intake compared to other supplements. (Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci. 2002. Vol 15, No. 2 : 195-204)

Effect of different supplements on the degradability of organic matter, cell wall constituents, in vitro gas production and organic matter digestibility of wheat straw

Samples of wheat straw were suspended in the rumen of animals fed under the different treatments. The disappearance of organic matter and fibrous constituents from the nylon bags suspended in the rumen of animals was not significantly different amongst Groups II, III and IV, but was significantly ( P < 0.01) higher as compared to group I. As a result, rate of degradation of neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and cellulose in the rumen of animals increased significantly when the basal diet of wheat straw was supplemented with either concentrate mixture or urea-molasses block. Thus, time taken (h) for 50% retention of dry matter (DM) in the nylon bags was significantly ( P < 0.01) higher in Group I (93.61 ± 2.76) as compared to Groups II (70.25 ± 3.30), III (74.95 ± 2.69) and IV (75.46 ± 3.51). The other fibrous fractions such as NDF, ADF and cellulose followed a similar trend. In another experiment, gas production (ml g −1 of wheat straw) was studied using rumen fluid of animals under different treatments. It was observed that gas production was not significantly different during Phase I (first 3 h of incubation when soluble fractions are rapidly fermented) and II (from 4 h of incubation when mainly cell wall fractions are fermented) of incubation amongst groups I (3.01 ± 0.02; 0.93 ± 0.06), II (3.03 ± 0.06; 0.87 ± 0.03), III (3.06 ± 0.03; 0.91 ± 0.03), and IV (2.99 ± 0.96; 0.88 ± 0.02). Similarly, in vitro organic matter digestibility of wheat straw determined using rumen fluid of animals under different treatments was non-significantly different amongst Groups I (44.66 ± 0.28), II (45.18 ± 0.39), III (45.66 ± 0.27) and IV (43.87 ± 0.76). These studies suggest that microbial activity, as indicated by wheat straw degradability from nylon bags, was poor when the animals were fed only wheat straw and increased significantly and at a similar level when supplemented with either concentrate mixture or different urea-molasses mineral block (UMMB) licks.

Sheep productivity in the Ethiopian Highlands on a diet supplemented with urea-molasses block and/or noug cake.

A feeding experiment was carried out in which adult ewes of the Ethiopian Highland Menz breed grazed on meadow pasture were supplemented with urea-molasses block and/or noug cake. There was low consumption of urea-molasses block (67 gd-1) and its contribution to total nitrogen requirement was minimal. Dietary treatment had no significant effect on liveweight changes of ewes, their reproductive performance and performance of the lambs. When there was liver fluke infection, ewes and their lambs which were supplemented with urea-molasses block and/or noug cake had better survival compared to those which did not get any supplements (35% mortality vs 55%). The rumen ammonia-N concentration was significantly lower in the control sheep (11 mg/100 ml) and those that received only urea-molasses (14 mg/100 ml) and highest in sheep receiving the urea-molasses block and noug cake (26 mg/100 ml). The volatile fatty acid proportions were not significantly affected by the diets. Low level of urea-molasses block consumption seemed to be a main factor limiting the usefulness of the urea-molasses block and it is recommended that factors likely to enhance its consumption be investigated.

Effects of supplementing a wheat straw diet with urea or a urea-molasses block and/or cottonseed meal on intake and liveweight change of lambs

A feeding experiment was conducted in which lambs were given a basal diet of wheat straw plus 0.5% mineral mixture, supplemented with either 2.5% urea, 150 g day −1 cottonseed meal (CSM), 2.5% urea + 150 g day −1 CSM, urea-molasses block (ad libitum) alone or with 150 g CSM. Supplementation of the basal diet with the urea-molasses block increased straw dry-matter intake by lambs significantly ( P < 0.001) from 333 to 420 g day −1, and a liveweight loss of 53 g day −1 on the basal diet was improved to a liveweight gain of 10 g day −1. Supplementation with CSM alone or CSM plus urea increased straw dry-matter intake from 333 to 439 g day −1 and consequently converted a mean liveweight loss of 53 g day −1 on the basal diet to mean liveweight gains of 38 and 40 g day −1. The combined supplement of CSM and urea-molasses block further increased straw dry-matter intake to 475 g day −1 and lamb liveweight gain to 90 g day −1. The supplementation of 2.5% urea alone did not affect either straw intake or liveweight gains. The use of the urea-molasses block as a urea supplement was superior to urea alone. The digestibility of straw as indicated by the loss of dry matter from straw in nylon bags in the rumen was increased by supplements of protein meals, but was highest when the urea-molasses block was also consumed. Wool growth was increased by 60% above that on the basal diet by supplementation with the protein or protein plus fermentable-N sources.