Urea
and NPN
The most common NPN source used in ruminant feeding is urea.
Benefits of Urea
| 1 |
Low
cost form of nitrogen (N x 6.25 = CP). |
| 2 |
Efficient
source of nitrogen in high energy diets. |
| 3 |
Not
negatively influenced by commodity or protein price
fluctuations. |
| 4 |
Provides
ammonia, which improves rumen microbial growth
efficiency. |
Limitations
of Urea
| • |
Toxicity |
| • |
Because
of the rapid release of ammonia associated with
urea, toxicity and death loss can occur. |
| • |
Due
to the toxic potential, the amount of urea that can be
included in feeds is limited. |
| • |
Poor
utilization in low energy diets. |
| • |
Microorganisms
must have energy and carbohydrates to use
urea to make a protein. In low energy diets, the efficiency of
urea decreases. |
|
