Effect of Molasses urea blocks (MUB) as strategic dry season supplement to yearling heifers raised on low quality roughages

Abstract

Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of molasses urea block (MUB) 
supplementation on the utilization of poor quality roughages by yearling dairy heifers during the 
dry season. In 
experiment 1, twenty crossbred heifers (11-12 months old) were divided into two treatments (T1 
and T2) of 10 animals each. Animals on treatment 1 (T1) were grazed on natural pastures hay 
only whereas those on treatment 2 (T2) received MUB upon return from grazing. Data on growth 
rate were recorded over 90 days, weighing being taken once every fortnight. In Experiment 2, ten 
(11-14 months old) crossbred heifers were used to assess voluntary intake of heifers. The 
animals were divided into two groups of five each (TI and T2) and stall fed two dietary 
treatments in a change over design. Total feed intake, MUB intake and hay intake were recorded 
daily. Initial and final body weights of the animals were also recorded. In Experiment 3. the 
degradability characteristics of hay, rumen ammonia nitrogen and