The study focuses on the feed utilization and growth performance of Tanzania Shorthorn Zebu cattle when fed untreated or urea-treated rice straws as a replacement for hay in a traditional feedlot system has been successfully done. This research finding is valuable in regions where rice straws are abundant and hay availability is limited.
Rice straw is a byproduct of rice cultivation and can be used as livestock feed if some improvements have been done. Its low nutritional value and high fiber content is a limit factors in its utilization by cattle. To improve its nutritional value, rice straw can be treated with urea, which increases its crude protein content and digestibility.
In this reported study, researchers from Sokoine University of Agriculture at the Department of Animal, Aquaculture and Range Sciences collaborated with researchers from the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, compared the effects of feeding untreated rice straw and urea-treated rice straw to Tanzania Shorthorn Zebu cattle. They examined parameters such as feed intake, nutrient digestibility, growth rate, and feed efficiency. The aim of the research has been to determine whether urea treatment improves the nutritional value of rice straw and enhances cattle performance in a traditional feedlot system.
The research findings provide insights into the feasibility and effectiveness of using urea-treated rice straw as a hay replacement in feedlot systems. Partial or complete replacement of hay with treated or untreated rice straws resulted in higher growth performance than feeding hay alone. Feeding animals with urea-treated rice straws resulted into higher growth performance and better feed utilization compared to feeding hay or untreated rice straws.
The research concluded that the complete replacement of hay with urea-treated rice straws resulted in a high growth rate, lower FCR, and high gross margin, hence, it is recommended as the best basal diet for fattening Tanzanian Shorthorn Zebu under the traditional feedlot system. This information is valuable for livestock farmers and researchers interested in optimizing feed resources, especially in areas where rice production is prevalent.
To access the specific findings and details of the study, kindly click here.
This Research finding has been published to:
Kilyenyi, E.H., Mushi, D.E. and Chenyambuga, S.W. (2023). Feed Utilization and Growth Performance of Tanzania Shorthorn Zebu Fed Untreated or Urea Treated Rice Straws as Hay Replacement in Traditional Feedlot System. International Journal of Animal Science and Technology. 7(2): 11-18 doi: 10.11648/j.ijast.20230702.11
The Department of Animal, Aquaculture, and Range Sciences
The College of Agriculture, SUA.
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