Urea as a Protein Extender for Lactating Cows

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
An experiment was conducted with 10 cows over a period of 12 weeks in which each of 4 treatments was tested by the Latin square design to determine the amount of milk produced by a urea and corn supplement compared to soybean oil meal. In all cases a low-protein roughage was fed, but the supplement was fed either by intimately mixing in the roughage or by placing it on top of the roughage. No benefit was derived from mixing the supplement in the roughage because the cows promptly separated and consumed the supplement before eating the roughage. One cow consistently refused to eat the experimental ration containing urea. The maintenance of body weight and the lack of significant difference in milk production as the result of treatment indicated that urea and soybean oil meal were of comparable value under the conditions of this experiment.