Utilization of Nitrogen from Ground Hign Moisture and Dry Corn by Ruminants

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Abstract
The influence of high levels of soluble nitrogen in ground high moisture corn rations on nitrogen utilization by ruminants was examined in two metabolism trials. In trial 1, steers were fed rations containing approximately 80% dry ground corn (DC) or high moisture corn (HMC) with either soybean meal (SBM) or urea (U) supplements. The levels of soluble nitrogen for the DC-SBM, DC-U, HMC-SBM and HMC-U rations were 35, 52, 73 and 92% of the total nitrogen, respectively. Peak rumen ammonia levels in steers one-half and 1 hr post-feeding were higher (P<.05) with the DC-U ration. Plasma urea levels were greater (P<.05) at 0, .5 and 1 hr post-feeding with the dry corn rations. In a second trial, twelve lambs were fed a nitrogen depletion ration for 3 weeks and the above rations for 4 weeks. Lambs fed HMC produced less urinary nitrogen, retained more nitrogen and a greater percentage of absorbed nitrogen (P<.05) than those fed DC. The results of both trials indicate that the nitrogen of HMC rations was utilized more efficiently than that of the DC rations and that urea can be used satisfactorily as a HMC supplement. Copyright © 1976. American Society of Animal Science . Copyright 1976 by American Society of Animal Science