Topics:
Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher
Urea Replacement Limit
Urea can replace about ______% of DCP requirement in animals:
- 10
- 20
- 30 — Correct Answer
- 40
Explanation:
Correct Answer: 30%
In ruminant nutrition, urea is the most widely used Non-Protein Nitrogen (NPN) source. It can replace up to 30% of the total DCP (Digestible Crude Protein) requirement because rumen microbes can convert urea-derived ammonia into microbial protein efficiently.
Urea — Key Facts from Notes
- Nitrogen content of urea: 46.6% (pure form)
- Only used in ruminant rations — NEVER for young calves (<6 months) or monogastric animals
- 100% degradable in rumen (quickly → NH₃)
- Has no energy value and is deficient in all minerals
Key Ratios for Urea Utilization
| Ratio | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Nitrogen : Sulphur (N:S) | 10:1 (for optimum urea use) |
| Starch : Urea | 10:1 (1 kg starch requires 100 g urea) |
| Urea in straw treatment | 4% of straw (Water:Urea = 10:1) |
Urea Toxicity
- Occurs when rumen NH₃ > 80 mg/100 ml OR blood NH₃ > 1 mg/100 ml
- Treatment: Drench 20–40 L cold water OR 4–5 L of 10% acetic acid
- Urea supplementation NOT recommended when diet CP > 13%
📚 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.
