Mung bean straw (MS) was treated with 3% urea solution (UTMS) or
supplemented wiU'l urea. vitamins + mineral mixture (MSMS). The three mung bean
strew forms were offered to mature males Baladi goats averaged 20 kg live body
weight ad lib. as a sole diet (exp. I) or with a supplement of concentrate feed mixture
(CFM) to cover 50% of energy maintenance requirements according to NRC, 1981
(exp.II). The results showed that U'le two treatments applied to MS increased CP
content and decreased AOF and improved almost all nutrients digestibility and
nutritive values In terms of TON and OCP. Bolh treatments significantly (p < 0.05 or
0.01 ) increased OM. TOM and OCP intakes. Goats given UTMS alone or rations
containing MS, MSMS or UTMS+ CFM coutd cover their maintenance requirements of
TON and DCP according to NRC (1981). while goats received MS and MSMS as a
sale diet could not ccvertheir maintenance requirements ofTDN and DCP with one
exception that animals given MSMS could cover their maintenance requirements of
OCP Animals given rations containing CFM + MSMS or UTMS showed signifICantly
(p < 0.05 or 0.01 ) higher nitrogen balance in terms of eilher g/animallday or as % of N
intake or digested and rumina) NH3 and VFA's concentrations compared with those
fed rations containing CFM +MS. No significant differences were detected among all
treatments with regard to serum creatinine, GOT and GPT concentrations. The present study suggests the possibility of using mung bean straw as a new
roughage source in ruminant feeding. Intake and utilization of mung bean straw could
be improved by gouts using urea treatment or ursa + vitamins + mineral mixture
supplement to cover maintenance requirements without any adverse effect on kidney
and l!ver functions.