Topics:
Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher
Protein Threshold for Urea Supplementation
Urea supplementation is not recommended, If crude protein content of ruminant diet is more than:
- 18%
- 15%
- 13% — Correct Answer
- 25%
Explanation:
Correct Answer: 13%
Urea supplementation in ruminant diets is only beneficial when the rumen microbes are nitrogen-deficient. According to the notes, rumen bacteria cannot effectively use NH₃ if the diet already contains CP > 13%. Beyond this level, the microbes are already saturated with nitrogen; additional urea only increases NH₃ and toxicity risk.
Conditions When Urea Should NOT Be Fed
- Diet CP > 13% (microbes already saturated)
- Rumen NH₃ concentration already > 5–8 mg/100 ml
- Young calves < 6 months of age (rumen not developed)
- Monogastric animals (horse, pig, dog — no rumen)
Urea Toxicity Reference
| Parameter | Toxic Level |
|---|---|
| Rumen NH₃ | >80 mg/100 ml |
| Blood NH₃ | >1 mg/100 ml |
| Treatment | 20–40 L cold water OR 4–5 L of 10% acetic acid |
📚 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.
