Basic Knowledge and Methods of Feeding Urea to Cattle

1. The Origin of Feeding Urea to Cattle

Urea is a white crystal, generally containing 42%-46% nitrogen. Through digestion and utilization in the cattle stomach, one kilogram of urea is equivalent to 2.6-2.8 kilograms of protein feed, but it was not promoted at first. By 1922, Richardson and others achieved good results using urea as feed, and it was widely promoted around the world.

2. The Principle of Feeding Urea to Cattle

Adult cattle have a well-developed rumen with a capacity of 125-187 liters, containing large amounts of bacteria and ciliates. Urea enters the rumen and is broken down into carbon dioxide and ammonia, which then form bacterial protein. Along with food, it enters the stomach and is broken down into amino acids under the action of gastric juice, then absorbed by the stomach and intestines.

3. Methods of Feeding Urea

The feeding amount should be appropriate. Generally, it is suitable for urea to replace 30% of the dietary protein. Calculated by concentrate, urea should account for 2%-3%. Urea cannot be fed alone; it must be accompanied by crude fiber and energy feed, and it must never be fed on an empty stomach. The composition of the cattle's diet cannot be changed suddenly, because rumen microorganisms change according to the nature of the feed. If the diet composition changes suddenly,

the microorganisms cannot adapt immediately, and the feeding effect of adding urea will be poor. Calves at 6 months of age and weak, sickly cattle cannot use urea supplements.