Effects of supplements of urea, molasses and sodium sulfate on the intake and liveweight of steers fed rice straw

Abstract

A pen feeding experiment was conducted in which steers were fed rice straw (0.68% nitrogen, 0.09% sulfur, dry matter basis) with urea alone; urea and molasses, or sodium sulfate; or all three supplements. The role of rice straw as a drought ration, and the effects of the supplements on intake and liveweight, were examined. Urea alone increased roughage organic matter intake by 14% (P=0.07) and total organic matter intake by 16% (P<0.05). Addition of molasses or sodium sulfate or both to the rice straw had no significant effect on intake (P>0.05). A urea supplement reduced liveweight loss from 149 to 86 g/head.d (P<0.05). In general, the small amounts of molasses and sodium sulfate had little effect on liveweight.