A note on the effect of lime and calcium carbonate supplementation on the nutritive value of paddy (Oryza sativa) straw

Abstract

In an experiment on nine Kumaoni bullocks, the effect of supplementing paddy straw rations with calcium carbonate or lime was studied. The digestion coefficients of dry matter, crude protein, ether extract and total carbohydrates and balances of nitrogen and phosphorus were not significantly affected by such supplementation; the calcium balances were significantly improved. It is concluded that supplementation of paddy straw rations with calcium carbonate (which is cheap and easier to handle), or with slaked lime, can be used with advantage in combating the problem of negative calcium balances frequently encountered on paddy straw rations. Incorporation of a small quantity of wheat bran (about 4 oz) helps in meeting the phosphorus requirement of adult animals.

In vitro study of phosphorus supplementation (sodium orthophosphate, NaH2PO4.2H2O) on degradability and fermentation of rice straw

“…Microorganisms are largely dependent on dietary P for their requirement and the host animal is affected first under a marginal P deficiency (Durand and Kawashima, 1980). The level of P (0.02 to 0.16 percent) in rice straw is less than the level of about 0.3 percent that animals need for growth and normal fertility (Nath et al, 1969). Keeping consideration this study was conducted to examine the effectiveness of sodium orthophosphate as a source of P on rice straw degradability.…”