Topics:
Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher
Contraindications for Dietary Urea
Urea should NEVER be incorporated in the diet of:
- Young calf
- Horse & pig
- Dog
- All the above — Correct Answer
Explanation:
Correct Answer: All the above
Urea should never be incorporated in the diet of young calves (up to 6 months), horses, pigs, and dogs because they lack the rumen microbial system needed to safely convert urea into microbial protein.
Contraindications for Dietary Urea
| Animal | Reason |
|---|---|
| Young calves (up to 6 months) | Rumen not yet developed; urea → NH₃ toxicity |
| Horse | Monogastric; no rumen → urea directly absorbed as toxic NH₃ |
| Pig | Monogastric; cannot metabolise urea safely |
| Dog | Carnivore monogastric; urea is toxic |
Urea — Safe Use Rules
- Urea is only used in ruminant rations (mature cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat)
- Nitrogen content of urea: 46.6% (pure form)
- 100% degradable in rumen → quickly converted to NH₃
- Characteristics: deficient in all minerals, has no energy value
- Maximum safe level: up to 3% of concentrate mix
Why Other Options Are Wrong
- Young calf alone → correct, but incomplete
- Horse & pig alone → correct, but dog is also contraindicated
- Dog alone → correct, but incomplete; all three categories are correct
📚 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.
