Effect of Urea Treatment on the Chemical Composition and Rumen Degradability of Groundnut Hull

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition and rumen degradability of Groundnut Hull (GH) treated with three levels of urea (2, 4 and 6%) and ensiled in plastic bags for three periods (2, 4 and 6 weeks). Data were analyzed in completely randomized design with factorial; with ensiled period and urea level are the main factors. Degradability of treated groundnut hull was carried out in three fistulated steers. Urea treatment and ensiling periods increased CP content of the GH significantly (p<0 .05) and ranked as follows 7.81, 10.22 and 10.24% for 2, 4 and 6% urea level ensiled for 2, 4 or 6 weeks respectively. However, these increments in CP contents were found between urea levels but not between periods of treatment. All ensiling periods were interacted significantly with urea level. NDF content was decreased (p<0.05) from 87.8 for UGH to 84.6, 72.5 and 74.2% for 2, 4 and 6% urea level ensiled for 2, 4 or 6 weeks respectively. ADF and ADL contents were significantly (p< 0.05) decreased for treated GH compared to untreated GH. Degradability of DM, OM and NDF were increased (P<0.05) significantly with increasing urea level treatment. Four and 6% urea level had a higher potential degradability values compared with 2% urea level. Ensiling periods resulted in significant differences between urea treatment levels. However, no differences were found within the same level. This study indicated that, chemical composition and degradability of GH would be improved by increases urea level and ensiling periods.