Improving Performance of Heifer Buffalos Fed with Urea-treated Rice Straw Ensiled with Cassava Pulp Supplemented with Concentrates

The objectives of this research weretheoptimalization of production and reproduction of buffalo heifers through improving feed quality based on rice straw. Twelve heifer buffaloes with body weightof 243–350 kgwere kept in individual cages and grouped to four. Each groups were randomized to receive three treatments of A, B and C according toRandomized Completely Block Design(RCBD). A was buffalo fed only rice straw. B was buffalo fed rice straw supplemented with concentrate with a dry matter ratio of 70:30. C was similar toBbut therice straw was ammoniated using urea of 4% ensiled with 8% of cassava pulp. In-Vitro test was conducted to measure rumen fermentation product. The results showed the highest of DM and OM digestibility was achievedat C treatment, while the lowest was found at A treatment. Rumen fermentation produsts and its efficiency werethehighest in C treatment. In-vivo result showed that ADG of C was higher than that ofB and A. Reproductive performance characterized by frequency oestrus for 123 days were an average of 2.5, 2.8 and 4.5 times for A, B and C, respectively. The highest blood metabolite of glucose, urea and erytrocyt was found at C but the leucocyt was lowest compared to A and B. Urea treated rice straw ensiled with cassava pulp and supplemented with concentrate can improve production and reproduction performance of heifer buffaloes.