Effect of urea-molasses-mineral block lick on the growth performance of caracows kept on themeda pasture of central Luzon during the wet season

The unimproved Themeda pastures of Central Luzon can only sustain the normal growth of caracows during the wet season. They are only sufficient to maintain body weight. Supplementation of carabaos grazing on native pasture with rice bran/damaged palay at the rate of 0.5% of body weight gave a better response in growth and weight gain, which was attributed to increased dry-matter intake, but the response appears inadequate. Further supplementation with urea-molasses-mineral block lick induces maximum responses in terms of liveweight gain. (author)