Use of Urea as a Protein Replacer | Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science Optional for UPSC PDF Download

Overview

• Several studies have explored the effects of urea on ruminants, focusing on rumen function, growth, and nitrogen balance.

Urea as Protein Replacement:

• Urea can effectively substitute for up to approximately 30% of protein in practical diets for mature ruminants and lactating cows.
• This substitution is feasible because natural feeds for ruminants already contain around 30% of nitrogen in the form of non-protein nitrogenous compounds like amino acids, amides, and amines.
• As a result, urea can be included in the diet at a rate of 3% of the concentrate mixture.

Optimal Urea Utilization:

• For effective utilization of urea, it is essential to simultaneously provide soluble carbohydrates, preferably starch, at a ratio of 1 kg for every 100 grams of urea.
• This carbohydrate supplement is crucial for meeting the energy requirements of the microbes in the rumen.

Urea Utilization in Ruminants

Role of Sulphur and Phosphorus:

• Adding proper amounts of sulphur and phosphorus to urea-containing rations triggers the production of sulphur-containing amino acids essential for microbial body components.

Hydrolysis Process:

• Upon entering the rumen, urea is rapidly broken down by bacterial urease into ammonia, which is further converted into amino acids. Microbes then utilize these amino acids for their synthetic processes.

Comparison with Feed Protein:

• Unlike feed protein for matured ruminants, urea or any other non-protein nitrogen (NPN) does not offer technical advantages. Its use should be justified based on economic factors.