Topics:
Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher
Water to Urea Ratio for Straw Treatment
For urea treatment of any dry roughage (e.g., straw), water: urea ratio should be:
- 5:1
- 10:1 — Correct Answer
- 15:1
- 20:1
Explanation:
Correct Answer: 10:1
For urea treatment of dry roughage (straw), the Water : Urea ratio should be 10:1. For standard treatment: 100 kg straw + 40 litres water + 4 kg urea (40:4 = 10:1). This dilution ensures uniform spray distribution across the straw mass and optimal NH₃ release for cell wall degradation.
Urea Treatment of Straw — Standard Protocol
| Component | Quantity per 100 kg straw |
|---|---|
| Urea | 4 kg (4% of straw DM) |
| Water | 40 litres (Water:Urea = 10:1) |
| Sealing | Airtight stack for 3–4 weeks |
Benefits of Urea Treatment
| Parameter | Normal Straw | Urea-Treated Straw |
|---|---|---|
| DCP% | 0% (Nil) | 4–5% |
| TDN% | ~40% | ~50% |
| Digestibility% | ~46% | ~70% |
Why Other Options Are Wrong
- 5:1 → too concentrated; uneven distribution; risk of localized toxicity.
- 15:1 → overly dilute; NH₃ concentration too low for effective cell wall penetration.
- 20:1 → excessive water; impractical and ineffective for NH₃ treatment.
📚 About this Topic — Animal Nutrition
This multiple choice question is from Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher. It has 4 options with a detailed explanation of the correct answer. Practice more MCQs from Animal Nutrition to strengthen your preparation.
