Urea is broken down by microorganisms in the rumen of cows to produce bacterial protein, which can serve as a partial replacement for traditional protein feed. This makes urea an effective protein supplement for cattle. However, it's important to note that urea itself is not a true protein, and its effectiveness depends on several factors. The use of urea is most beneficial during the winter and spring seasons when cattle are primarily fed with roughage such as wheat straw, dry corn stalks, and hay. In contrast, feeding urea during summer and autumn—when green feeds dominate—is generally not recommended.
Studies have shown that when the crude protein content in the feed is below 11%, the rumen can utilize about 70% of the urea, leading to a noticeable increase in weight gain (up to 39%). However, as the crude protein level in the feed increases, the benefit of adding urea diminishes. Once the crude protein content exceeds 12%, urea no longer improves weight gain and may even start to negatively affect it, causing weight loss or reduced performance.
During summer and autumn, cattle often consume a variety of green feeds like wild vegetables, weeds, and pasture grasses. These green feeds are rich in nutrients, especially crude protein, which typically ranges from 12% to 20%. Additionally, the digestibility and utilization rate of this protein is high, often exceeding 70%. The amino acid profile in these feeds is also more balanced and of higher quality compared to urea. As a result, continuing to feed urea during these seasons can be counterproductive, leading to poor results instead of the intended benefits. It’s crucial to adjust feeding strategies based on seasonal feed availability to maximize both animal health and productivity.
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