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Increasing Utilization of Urea in Ruminant Feeding
Urea contains 42-46% nitrogen. If 70% of this nitrogen is used for bacterial protein synthesis, then 1 kilogram of urea can be converted into a protein equivalent to about 4.5 kilograms of soybean meal after microbial transformation in the rumen. According to reports from abroad, adding 1 kg of urea to a protein-deficient diet can result in an increase of 6-12 kg of milk or 1-3 kg of weight gain, and also contribute to 50-150 grams of additional wool production. Domestically, it has been observed that 3.6-4.6 kg of milk can be produced per kilogram of urea.
Rumen bacteria in ruminants utilize urea as a nitrogen source and soluble carbohydrates as a carbon and energy source to synthesize bacterial proteins. These proteins are then digested and absorbed by the animal, similar to regular feed proteins, through the action of digestive enzymes.
However, not all of the ammonia from urea is used in bacterial protein synthesis. The efficiency of urea utilization depends on various factors. To maximize its benefits and avoid ammonia toxicity in ruminants, several key considerations should be taken into account when feeding urea.
First, there should be a sufficient amount of easily digestible carbohydrates in the diet supplemented with urea. Rumen bacteria require both energy and carbon sources during the process of converting ammonia into bacterial protein. Studies have shown that when only crude fiber is used as an energy source, urea utilization is only about 22%. But when adequate amounts of crude fiber and starch are provided, urea utilization can rise above 60%. This is because starch degrades at a rate similar to urea, allowing for a more synchronized release of energy and nitrogen, which supports bacterial protein synthesis. Therefore, when adding urea to a roughage-based diet, it’s recommended to include 1 kg of easily digestible carbohydrates for every 100 grams of urea, with 2/3 being starch and 1/3 being soluble sugars.
Second, the protein level in the diet should be carefully managed. When the protein content exceeds 13%, urea utilization drops significantly, increasing the risk of ammonia poisoning. On the other hand, if the protein level is below 8%, it may hinder bacterial growth and reproduction. It's generally advised to keep the protein level between 8-13% before supplementing with urea.
Third, essential minerals must be available to support microbial activity. Cobalt is vital for vitamin B12 synthesis, which plays a role in protein metabolism. A deficiency in cobalt can reduce bacterial ability to use urea. Sulfur is necessary for the synthesis of sulfur-containing amino acids like methionine and cysteine. The ideal ratio of nitrogen to sulfur in urea-based diets is 10-14:1, and the nitrogen to phosphorus ratio should be around 8:1. Other minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, copper, zinc, manganese, and iodine are also important for bacterial life and overall urea utilization.
Fourth, the quantity of urea fed should be controlled. Typically, urea should make up about 20-30% of the crude protein in the diet or no more than 1% of the dry matter. Adult cattle should receive 60-100 grams daily, while adult sheep should get 6-12 grams. Calves under 2-3 months old should not be given urea due to underdeveloped rumen function. If the diet already contains non-protein nitrogen sources like silage, the urea amount should be halved to prevent waste and ammonia toxicity. Symptoms of poisoning include muscle tremors, difficulty breathing, and foaming at the mouth, and can be fatal if not treated quickly.
Fifth, feeding methods should be carefully managed. Urea should be mixed evenly with roughage or diluted with concentrate. It can also be added to silage materials. A common practice is to mix 4 kg of urea and 2 kg of ammonium sulfate with 1 ton of corn silage. Gradual introduction over 5-7 days allows animals to adapt. Urea should not be fed alone or dissolved in water, and animals should wait 3-4 hours before drinking water after urea feeding.
Lastly, high-efficiency urea additives can improve urea utilization and safety. Options include adding urease inhibitors like oxalic acid or fatty acid salts, coating urea with starch or cooked grains, making urea granules with gelatinized starch, or producing urea blocks mixed with honey and minerals. Urea derivatives like urea phosphate or biuret also offer slower degradation rates, improving both effectiveness and safety.