Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a re-emerging mosquito-borne zoonotic flaviviral disease. Swine sero-convert 2-3 weeks before infection occurs in humans and thus serves as a suitable sentinel for JE surveillance and outbreak prediction in human population. The present study was conducted with the objective of developing a lateral flow assay (LFA) for detecting JEV antibodies in swine sera. Three different formats were tried using recombinant NS1 protein as antigen in order to select the best format. In format I, gold nanoparticles were conjugated with antigen followed by spotting of antigen on NCM as test line and anti-antigen IgG on NCM as control line. In format II, gold nanoparticles were conjugated with antigen followed by spotting of staphylococcal protein A as test line and anti-antigen IgG as control line. Format III used gold nanoparticles conjugated with goat anti-pig IgG followed by spotting of antigen as test line and pig IgG as control line. Amongst the three formats, format II was found to be superior with 100% relative diagnostic sensitivity and 100% relative diagnostic specificity during monsoon and post-monsoon period. A panel of 500 field swine serum samples was tested using format II which revealed sero-positivity of 15.6%, and the format was found suitable to screen swine serum samples during monsoon and post-monsoon period.

The present study was undertaken to assess the effect of micronutrients supplementation on the blood biochemical profile and immune response in pre-ruminant calves. Sixteen day old crossbred calves (body weight 24.50±0.56 kg) were randomly allocated to control and treatment groups comprising 8 animals in each group. Diets were similar (NRC, 2001) in both the groups but in treatment group 10 mL molasses based micronutrients supplement containing 50 mg Fe, 20 mg Mn, 20 mg Zn, 5 mg Cu, 0.15 mg I, 0.05mg Co, 0.2 mg Se, 4000 IU vitamin-A, 600 IU vitamin-D, 50 IU vitamin E, 0.5 mg ascorbic acid was provided. The mean values for PCV and albumin were higher (P<0.05) in treatment group as compared to control group, however, the values of Hb, serum glucose, total proteins (g/dL), globulin (g/dL) and A: G ratio were similar in both the groups. The concentration of serum Cu and Zn was higher (P<0.05) in treatment group than control group. Also, antibody titre was higher (P<0.01) in treatment group as compared to control group. Thus, the supplementation of molasses based micro-nutrients in pre-ruminant calves showed improvement in immune response.

The present experiment was conducted to find out the effect of different ratios of concentrate, wheat straw and green fodder in rations on methane (CH4) production, gaseous exchange and heat production in crossbred cattle and buffaloes. After every one month of experimental feeding, CH4, heat production and gaseous exchange (CO2 and O2) were determined using open circuit respiration calorimetry in six adult crossbred cattle (Bos taurus × Bos indicus) and buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) with average BW of 257.011±7.34 and 319.56±10.86 kg, respectively (age: 12–18 mo.). Experimental feeding consisted of three ratios of concentrate, wheat straw and green maize fodder i.e. 60: 20: 20 (T1), 40: 30: 30 (T2) and 20: 40: 40 (T3) fed as TMR alternatively to each group. The DM and OM intake in all the treatments and species were similar. The digestibility of DM and OM was different (P<0.01) among treatments but similar in both the species. Total CH4 production (L/d) was lower (P<0.01) in crossbred cattle than that in buffaloes and it was higher (P<0.01) on high roughage diet. Emission of CH4 expressed as L/kg W0.75 as well as L/kg DMI, OMI, DMD and OMD was higher (P<0.01) in buffaloes than cattle. O2 consumption (L/kg W0.75) was higher (P<0.01) in crossbred cattle than that in buffaloes; however, CO2 production (L/kg W0.75) was similar across species and treatments. The heat production was lower (P<0.01) in buffaloes than cattle. The mean respiratory quotient ranged from 0.91 to 0.95 in crossbred cattle and buffaloes. It was concluded that DM and OM intake in buffaloes and cattle was similar. However, the values of urinary N excretion and respiratory quotient in buffaloes were higher than that in cattle. Heat production and O2 consumption in buffaloes were lower than that in cattle. Furthermore, at similar level of DMI, buffaloes had higher CH4 emissions than cattle and higher proportion of concentrates in the diet decreased CH4 emissions linearly in both the species.

Thirty growing Murrah buffalo calves (8–12 months of age, 109.85 ± 2.43) were reared in parasite free conditions and randomly divided into three equal groups as per CRD. They were fed on iso-caloric (2.01 ME Mcal/Kg diet) diets containing standard protein (SP) diet at 100 %, 90 % of SP (medium protein, MP) and 80 % of SP (low protein, LP) of the protein requirements (Kearl 1982). After 21 days of feeding, each group was further subdivided into two sub-groups (A & B). Animals in sub-groups ‘A’ served as non-infected control, while in sub group ‘B’ were orally infected with Fasciola gigantica metacercarie (mc; 1,000 each). A metabolic trial of 40 days post infection was carried out in control and parasitized animals. Intake of digestible dry matter, organic matter and acid detergent fibre (ADF) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in SP group compared to LP group. The digestibility of crude protein (CP) and ADF was significantly higher in SP group compared to MP and LP groups. The digestible crude protein (DCP) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) intakes (g/kgW0.75) were also significantly (P < 0.001) higher in SP than MP and LP groups. However, DCP intake was significantly (P < 0.001) lower in infected subgroups compared to control subgroups. Intake and balance (g/d) of nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus were significantly (P < 0.01) higher in SP than MP and LP groups. The average daily gain of buffalo calves fed on SP Uninfected (SPU), SP Infected (SPI), MPU, MPI and LPU, LPI groups was 333, 178, 356, 144, 222 and 144 g and was significantly (P < 0.01) lower in animals fed LP ration. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was also significantly (P < 0.01) higher in infected sub-groups as compared to respective control groups. The results showed that a SP diet substantially improved the overall performance of buffalo calves in control and infected groups and reduced adverse effect of F. gigantica infection.

India has the largest livestock population and ruminants are one of the main contributors of methane production i.e. about 20% of the total CH4 emission. The present experiment was carried out to compare methane production and energy metabolism in crossbred cattle and buffaloes fed on 3 different total mixed ration (TMR) having various concentrate to roughage ratios. Crossbred cattle (6) and buffaloes (6), 2-year-old, were randomly divided into 3 homogenous groups following 3×3 switch over design. Experimental feeding consisted of 3 ratio of concentrate (C) and roughage (R) ((20C:80R (T1); 50C:50R (T2) and 80C:20R (T3)) fed as TMR alternately to each group. After every 21 days of feeding trial, energy metabolism and methane production was determined using open circuit respiration chamber. Methane emission (L/day/kg W0.75) was significantly higher in buffaloes (2.61±0.039) as compared to crossbred cattle (2.13±0.050). Methane emission (L/day) and methane energy (kcal/day) was significantly higher in buffaloes as compared to crossbred cattle. Methane emission (L/day and L/day/kg W 0.75) and methane energy (kcal/day) was significantly higher in T1 than T2 and T3. This may lead to the conclusion that buffalo produces more methane than cattle. Under the high plane of nutrition there is significant reduction in methane production than that of lower plane of nutrition in both species of animals. However, efficiency of energy utilization is significantly higher in buffaloes as compared to crossbred cattle. Though, higher concentrate to roughage ratio in the diet of CB cattle and buffaloes significantly reduces enteric CH4 emissions.

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of supplementation of deoiled mahua seed cake (DMSC) in the concentrate mixture of crossbred calves infected with F. gigantica on its growth performance and blood biochemical parameters during recovery period. Twenty healthy crossbred (HF X Haryana) male calves aged 6–7 months with an initial average live weight of 79.59±2.71 kg were divided into four treatment groups (CON, CON-INF, DMC and DMC-INF) of 5 animals each following randomized block design. DMSC was included in the concentrate mixture of DMC and DMC-INF groups at 10% level. Animals of groups CON-INF and DMC-INF were given an infection of 200 metacercariae (mc) of F. gigantica as trickle infection dose of 50 mc twice weekly over a period of two weeks. The average daily gain and feed conversion efficiency were significantly (P<0.001) higher in DMC-INF group compared to CON-INF group. The DMC-INF group regained haemoglobin concentration comparable to that of control group as early as 30 days post treatment (DPT), whereas the CON-INF group took more time to regain the same. In both the CON-INF and DMC-INF groups, the serum glucose, total proteins and its fractions became comparable to that of control groups by 30 DPT. The mean serum concentration of serum AST, LDH and GGT of CON-INF group was significantly (P<0.001) higher than that of CON and DMC-INF groups. However, in DMC-INF group the enzyme values were significantly (P<0.001) lower as compared to CON-INF group and in both the infected groups the enzyme level returned to a normal physiological range by 60 DPT. The study revealed that supplementation of DMSC at 10% level in the concentrate mixture of crossbred calves recovering from F. gigantica in infection helped to recuperate the normal growth performance earlier as compared to unsupplemented animals.

A study was conducted to assess the growth performance and nutrient utilization of cross-bred calves serially infected with Fasciola gigantica and/or supplemented with deoiled mahua seed cake (DMSC) during pre-patent period of infection. Twenty healthy cross-bred (Holstein Friesian × Haryana) male calves aged 6-7 months with an initial average live weight of 79.6 ± 2.71 kg were divided into four treatment groups (CON, CON-INF, DMC and DMC-INF) of five animals each following randomized block design. DMSC was included in the concentrate mixture of DMC and DMC-INF groups at 100 g/kg level. Animals of groups CON-INF and DMC-INF were given an infection of 200 metacercariae (mc) of F. gigantica as serial infection dose of 50 mc twice weekly over a period of 2 weeks. A metabolism trial at 40-49 days post-infection and growth trial of 145 days duration were conducted. The average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in CON-INF group as compared to others. The ADG and FCR were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in DMC-INF as compared to CON-INF. The intake and digestibility of nutrients were not affected by serial infection with F. gigantica during pre-patent period. However, significantly (p < 0.001) higher urinary excretion and significantly (p < 0.001) lower nitrogen balance were observed in CON-INF group as compared to other three groups. The nitrogen balance was significantly (p < 0.001) improved in DMC-INF group as compared to CON-INF group. From the results, it may be deduced that the supplementation of deoiled mahua seed cake at 100 g/kg level in the concentrate mixture has improved the growth performance and nitrogen utilization in cross-bred calves infected with F. gigantica.

A study of 120 days was conducted to assess the effect of feeding Saccharomyces cerevisiae on performance of early-weaned crossbred (Landrace x Desi) piglets, assigned to four different groups (T-1, T-2, T-3 and T-4), twelve piglets in each group following completely randomind design. Piglets under T, and T-2 were weaned at 28d of age while those under T-3 and T-4 were weaned at 42d of age. The T-1 and T-3 piglets were fed the basal diet without S. cerevisiae, whereas, piglets in T-2 and T-4 groups were supplemented with S. cerevisiae (200 g maize fermented with S. cerevisiae /d/piglets on fresh basis containing 2-3x106 cfu/g). The ADG was higher (P <0.05) in T-4, lower in T-1 and comparable between T-2 and T-3. There was no difference in digestibility of DM, OM, ADF, hemicellulose and total carbohydrates among the four groups, except for CP digestibility. The digestibility of NDF and EE were significantly (P<0.05) higher in T-4 than T-3. Values of FCR were higher (P<0.05) in T-1, lower in T4 and comparable between T2 and T3. Faecal yeast count was higher (P<0.05) in T-2 and T-4 as compared to non-supplemented groups T-1 and T-3, however, coliform count was lower (P <0.05) in T-2 and T-4 as compared to nonsupplemented groups. The villus height and villus height: crypt depth ratio was increased (P<0.05) in T-2 and T-4 groups. It is concluded that the stress and constraints of the early weaning may be ameliorated by the supplementation of live S. cerevisiae and performance of piglets may be enhanced.

Methane production in barbari goats was studied using Open Circuit Respiration chamber. A metabolism trial followed by respiration chamber trial was conducted in adult male Barbari goats (mean body weight of 15 +/- 0.7 kg) which were divided into 3 groups (control, T-1 and T-2) of 2 each as per 2x3 switch over design. Animals were fed concentrate mixture and wheat straw in a ratio of 30: 70 to meet out their nutrient requirements (NRC 2007). Animals of treatment 1 and 2 were fed on a diet supplemented with fumaric acid (FA) @ 2.5 and 5% of DM intake, respectively. The rumen liquor collection for rumen fermentation parameters and a respiration chamber study was carried out after metabolism trial. There was no significant difference in rumen fermentation parameters (ammonia nitrogen, total nitrogen, TCA-precipitable nitrogen, TVFA and protozoal counts) among 3 groups due to FA supplementation. However, linear increase in rumen pH with increasing levels of FA supplementation was highly significant (P<0.01). Production of methane (L/d) did not differ significantly among the groups. But when expressed as L/kg DM intake, methane production was significantly (P<0.05) reduced (18.45 and 14.97%) in FA supplemented group as compared to control group. The results showed that FA supplementation (@ of 2.5 and 5.0% of DMI) reduced substantially methane production (L/kg DMI) without altering rumen fermentation pattern in the Barbari goats.

A study was undertaken to assess the influence of variation in the glonnerular filtration rate (GFR) and plasma retention of purines on excretion of purine derivatives (PD) in crossbred cattle and buffalo bulls. Five male crossbred cattle (Bos indicus x Bos taurus) and Murrah buffalo bulls (Bubalus bubalis) about 2 years and 2 months of age (average body weights: 198.2 and 214.6 kg, respectively) were fed a maintenance ration containing wheat straw and concentrate. Experimental feeding of 40 days was followed by a metabolic trial of six days. The response parameters were compared by the independent 't' test. The plasma allantoin, uric acid, and total PD concentrations were higher (p < 0.05) in cattle than in buffalo. Urinary allantoin and total PD excretion were higher in cattle (p < 0.05). Creatinine excretion however, was comparable (p > 0.05) between the two species. The GFR in both groups remained similar. The tubular loads of allantoin, uric acid, and total PD were numerically higher in cattle, whereas, the uric acid reabsorption percent was higher (p < 0.05) in buffaloes. The microbial nitrogen supply was higher (P < 0.01) in cattle. The purine nitrogen index remained similar in both species. The present study concludes that the lower urinary PD excretion rate of buffalo was due to their higher reabsorption of PD than cattle; however, the effect of species-specific GFR seems to confound the elucidation of the variation in their individual urinary PD excretion.

An experiment was conducted to study the performance of male crossbred calves (average age 4.5 month; average weight 67.6 kg) were divided into three equal groups (T1,T2 and T3) following completely randomized design and fed concentrate mixture containing groundnut cake (T1), while in T2 and T3, deoiled mahua seed cake (DMSC) and guar meal (GM) was included @10% in the concentrate mixtures, respectively. The intake and digestibility of nutrients was similar among three treatments. However, ADG and FCR was significantly (P<0.05) improved in T2 than that of T1 but it was comparable to T3. At the end of 120 days experimental feeding, the values of blood biochemical profile observed were within the normal physiological range in crossbred calves and did not differ significantly (P>0.05) among different dietary treatments. Similarly, excretion of urinary purine derivatives (allantoin, uric acid & creatinine) and humoral immune response were comparable among three groups irrespective of DMSC or GM supplementation. The results indicated that inclusion of deoiled mahua seed cake or guar meal at 10% level in the concentrate mixture of growing crossbred calves showed significant improvement in ADG and FCR but comparable digestibility of nutrients, blood biochemical profile and immune response.

Growing bulls (30), 1-year-old, weighing 80.3 kg BW were divided into 3 equal groups following completely randomized design and were fed on isocaloric (2.01 ME Mcal/kg diet) diets containing 3 levels of protein i.e. standard protein (SP) ration at 100 (SP), 90 (MP) and 80 (LP)%, respectively, of requirements as per Kearl feeding standards. After 21 days of feeding a metabolism trial was conducted for last 8 days, for which total urine excreted and faeces voided were collected daily. Urine collection for estimation of purine derivatives was made during last 2 days of metabolic trial. The intake (g/kg 0.75 ) of CP and OM fulfilled 98, 91 and 83%, respectively, of Kearl’s CP requirements. Though other parameters reflecting nutrient utilization were comparable among the various protein levels, DCP intake (g/d) was higher in SP as compared to MP and LP groups. No significant response was noticed in purine derivatives with respect to levels of protein intake. It may be deduced that protein levels (80 to 100% in the ration) did not exhibit any variation in the excretion of urinary purine derivatives in buffaloes.

Deshpande, K.Y., Mehra, U.R., Singh, P. and Verma, A.K. 2012. Milk allantoin secretion as an indicator to assess nutrient utilization in daily cows. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 12: 229-239.Response parameters were studied in thirty dairy cows (Bos taurus x Bos indicus; 348.67 +/- 10.77kg mean body weight and 10.00 +/- 0.63kg/d average milk yield) divided into three groups, and fed on the diets having mixed green roughages and concentrate mixtures containing varying metabolisable energy (ME) i.e. 28, 30 and 32 Mcal/day. The experimental feeding was continued for 90days and a digestion trial was conducted at the end. The dietary DCP levels ranged from 16.0 to 16.9 g/kg W-0.75. Digestibility of DM and OM was similar among three groups. The digestibility of NDF and ether extract increased significantly in group III. However, ADF digestibility was significantly higher in groups II and III. Urinary excretion of allantoin (mmol/L), purine derivatives : creatinine (PD: C) ratio and PDC index increased significantly with the increase in dietary energy levels. Milk composition was comparable among three groups throughout the study. The concentration of allantoin, uric acid and total PD (mmol/L) in plasma and milk increased significantly in groups II and III. The correlation coefficient (r) between digestible dry matter intake (kg/d) and milk allantoin (mmol/L) was 0.67 (P < 0.05). It is concluded that PD assay in milk may be used as an alternate indicator to assess nutrient utilization and microbial protein supply in dairy cows.

Purine derivative (PD) concentration in different body fluids (plasma, milk and urine) was studied in 30 dairy cows (Bos taurus × Bos indicus; 331 to 369 kg mean body weight and 9.8 to 10.1 kg/d average milk yield) fed on the diets having mixed green fodders and concentrate mixtures (CM-1, CM-2, CM-3) containing varying amount of maize and wheat bran in group 1 (control), group 2 and group 3, respectively, following completely randomized design. The concentration of allantoin and total PD (mmol/L) in urine was comparable between groups 1 and 2, but was significantly higher in group 3. Moreover, the concentration of allantoin, uric acid and PD (mmol/l) in milk and plasma was significantly different among 3 groups (1, 2 and 3) indicating that the small variations in TDN and ME intake through diets (1, 2 and 3) could be reflected significantly in allantoin and PD concentration in plasma and consequently in milk but not in urine samples. The correlation coefficient (r) between digestible dry matter intake (DDMI, kg/d) and milk allantoin (mmol/L) was 0.67. The correlation of total PD (mmol/l) in milk was better than that of plasma and urine. The diurnal variation in PD secretion in milk (mmol/d) could be explained to a great extent by DDMI (kg/d) (R² = 0.65 and 0.75 in morning and evening milk respectively). It is concluded that the assay of allantoin and total PD in milk samples can be effectively used to assess the microbial protein supply in dairy cows on account of small variation in energy levels in diets.

The study evaluated the potential of the concentration of purine metabolites (PM) in spot urine as an alternative to performing a total urine collection to predict the microbial nitrogen (MN) supply in goats. The study was conducted in two phases. Phase I was comprised of fasting metabolism trial of eight goat bucks (19.70±0.59 kg mean body weight) to quantify the contribution of basal PM excretion. PM excretion decreased (P<0.05) with feed restriction and the mean value (μmol/ kgW0.75/d) observed during fasting was 250.09±5.11. Phase II examined the response of PM excretion to feed intake and evaluated the usefulness of purine metabolites: creatinine (PMC) index in spot urine samples for prediction of rumen MN supply. The concentration of PM in total urine and spot urine was quantified in eight goat bucks (20.24±0.74 kg mean body weight) allocated in two sets of 4×4 Latin square design at four fixed levels of feed intake (95, 80, 60 and 40% of voluntary feed intake) on diet based on wheat straw and concentrate mixture (50:50). Total PM excretion increased linearly with level of intake. Urinary excretion of creatinine did not differ among groups, while the PMC index calculated from total urine and spot urine increased (P<0.05) with level of feed intake. PMC index of spot urine differentiated the feeding levels at 6 and 12 h post feeding. The relationship between PMC index in the spot urine samples collected 12 h after the morning feed and the daily total PM excretion was the highest (R2=0.82). The results confirm that PMC index in spot urine samples can serve as a potential tool for the quantification of MN supply in goats.

Far determining the nutritiva value of robinia (Robinia pseudoacacia) leaves, widely distributed in the temperate and humid Himalayan ranges (29°25N and 79º35E), containing OM 89.9; CP 20.7; EE 3.8; CF 21.7; NFE 43.7; NDF 60.1; ADF 29.6; Ca 2.4 and P 0.2 par cent on DM basis, ten Soviet Chinchilla rabbits of six week old (mean body weight 792+73 g) were fed freshly lopped green robinia leaves as a sale feed far 56 d. The green leaves were offered individually at 400g/rabbit/day. A metabolism trial of 6 day was conducted after 21 d of experimental feeding. The digestibility of DM, OM, CP, EE, NDF and ADF was 74.3; 77.4; 36.8; 73.2; 60.3 and 29.4%, respectively. The average intake of DM was 145.3g/d and 143.79/kg Wo,75, DCP 11.29/d and 11.1g/kg W0.75 and DE 407.6 Kca1/d and 402.4Kca1/kg W0.75, which could not only meet the maintenance requirement but also supported 10.4g daily body weight gain. The dry matter of robinia leaves contained a.o percent DCP and 2.81 kcal DE/g. Results suggest that robinia leaves may be usad as a sale feed far maintenance. This may also be usad far the development of production rations by supplementation of energy and if necessary proteinacious feeds.

A study was undertaken to investigate the nutrient utilization and cytokine gene expression as influenced by Fasciola gigantica infection in crossbred male cattle during prepatent period. Fifteen male (12 months age and 184.5 +/- 6.75 kg mean body wt) were randomly divided into three groups of five animals in each group following completely randomized design. Animals in groups I and II were fed with 100 percent, whereas, group III were fed with 75% of NRC (1988) requirement. Animals in groups II and III were infected orally with a dose of 1000 metacercariae of F. gigantica, whereas, animals of group I served as uninfected control. Digestion cum metabolism trial of 8 days duration was conducted after 45 days post infection. The cytokine gene expression (IL-2 and IL-10) were analyzed 45 days post infection by using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with the double stranded DNA-binding dye SYBR Green to know the T cell response during clinical phase of fasciolosis. Dry matter intake of group III was significantly (P<0.01) lower than groups I and II. Digestibility of ether extract of infected animals was significantly (P<0.05) lower than control whereas digestibility of other nutrients were not influenced due to F. gigantica infection. IL-10 was present in detectable levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of infected animals, whereas in control animals IL-2 was not present in detectable levels. IL-2 was not present in detectable levels in PBMCs of both infected and control groups. It can be construed that nutrient utilization was hardly affected due to Fasciola gigantica infection during prepatent period and T cell response was Th2 type.

The gene expression of interleukin-2 and interleukin-10 in calves with a primary infection of Fasciola gigantica was studied. Five calves were infected orally with a dose of 1000 viable metacercariae of F. gigantica and five calves served as uninfected control animals. Expression of two cytokine genes i.e. IL-2 and IL-10 (Th1 and Th2) was measured at 10, 30 and 75 days post-infection (PI) by real-time polymerase chain reaction with the double stranded DNA-binding dye SYBR Green. Interleukin-2 was not detected in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of infected or control animals at 10, 30 and 75 days PI, however, IL-10 was present in detectable levels in PBMCs of infected animals at 10, 30 and 75 days PI, with no expression of this cytokine in the control animals. With an increased expression of IL-10 and no expression of IL-2 cytokine gene, the present study suggests that F. gigantica infection in calves evoked Th2 immune response.

Thirty growing bulls (Murrah, 1 year age, 80.3 +/- 1.95 kg b. wt.), divided into three equal groups following completely randomized design, were fed on isocaloric (2.01 ME Mcal/kg diet) diets containing standard protein ration at 100 (SP), 90 (NIP), and (80) LP percent of requirements as per Kearl, respectively. After 21 days of feeding, a metabolic trial of 6 days duration was conducted on 6 animals of each group. Intake and digestibility of CP and DCP intake (g/kgW(0.75)) varied significantly (P<0.05) among groups, being lowest in group 3. Intake of DM and OM (g/kgW(0.75)) was also similar in groups 1 and 2 but significantly (P<0.05) higher than in group 3. Nutrient digestibility other than CP did not vary among the groups. Intake and balance of N (g/d) were significantly (P<0.05) higher in group 1 than in groups 3 however variation between group 1 and 2 was not significant. N balance as percent of intake as well as absorbed did not differ significantly among 3 groups. Intake and balance of Ca and P balance were higher (P<0.05) in group 2 than in other groups. The blood biochemical profiles were comparable among all groups except for glucose and globulin (mg/dl), which were higher (P<0.05) in group 1 than in groups 2 and 3. It may be deduced that feeding of animals up to 90 percent of Kearl's standard protein requirements had no adverse effect on nutrient utilization and blood profile.

Fifteen adult crossbred cattle bulls, 18-22 months old (mean body weight 286.33 + 9.43) were divided into 3 groups following RBD design and were fed sugarcane tops (SCT) supplemented with some agro-industrial byproducts and concentrate feeds to determine nitrogen, Ca and P in crossbred cattle bull. For this purpose, crossbred cattle bulls were fed for 30 days ad lib SCT supplemented with Wheat bran (WB), Lentil chuni (LC) and WB + LC (50:50) in Group I, II, and III respectively. The balance values were 15.28 + 2.70, 26.85 + 4.35 and 18.00 + 3.17 for nitrogen, 11.77 + 1.34, 12.94 + 2.96 and 15.38 + 1.15 for calcium, 11.74 + 0.64, 11.26 + 1.58 and 11.69 + 0.79 for phosphorus in group I, II and III, respectively. There were no significant differences among the experimental groups in Ca and P balance values but balance of nitrogen was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in group II as compared to group I and III. It may indicated that the rumen fermentation was more appropriate in group III where animals were fed 50% lentil chuni and 50% wheat bran (supplementation of both protein and energy).