Influence of the level of molasses in de-oiled rice bran-based concentratemixture on rumen fermentation pattern in crossbred cattle calves

Four fistulated yearling male crossbred cattle calves (average body weight 176 kg) were fed on concentrate devoid of grain and wheat straw in approxim ately 1 : 1 ratio. The four concentrate mixtures were de-oiled rice bran wi th 0, 10, 20 and 30% molasses, respectively. To make the four concentrates iso-nitrogenous, groundnut cake was added at the rate of 0, 3, 6 and 9% res pectively. The animals were fed in a 4 x 4 switch over design. Each feeding period lasted 4 weeks followed by rumen liquor collection. Dry matter inta ke was similar in all the groups. The level of molasses in concentrate mixt ure affected the volatile fatty acids (VFA) production and NH3-N. There was a non-significant increasing trend in the number of large holotrichs and d ecreasing trend in the number of small holotrichs with increase in the leve l of molasses in the concentrate mixture. The activities of carboxymethyl c ellulase, alpha-amylase, xylanase and protease did not show definite patter ns. The dry matter intake (DMI) and rumen fermentation pattern indicated th at de-oiled rice bran with molasses upto 20% level can be a substitute for conventional concentrate mixture for maintenance. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.