J. Anim Sci.
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J. Anim Sci. 1974. 38:410-416.
© 1974 American Society of Animal Science
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Some Metabolic Aspects of Urea and/or Potassium Nitrate Utilization by Sheep1, 2,

L. A. Carver3 and W. H. Pfander4

University of Missouri, Columbia 65201

Abstract

Mature sheep were fed a maintenance ration of timothy hay and protein supplement and 1, 2, 4 and 5% of urea or potassium nitrate (KNO3) or combinations of these compounds. The effects of the additions on rumen fluid ammonia nitrogen and pH, whole blood ammonia nitrogen, plasma urea nitrogen, total hemoglobin, methemoglobin, total serum protein, the percentage of serum albumin, alpha, beta and gamma globulins and thyroid activity were measured.

Sheep consumed 4% of KNO3 when it was mixed into the ration and the animals were gradually adjusted to increasing levels. Nitrate was rapidly reduced to ammonia in the rumen without an apparent need for adaptation. No signs of toxicity were observed at any level of KNO3.

Sheep receiving a high roughage maintenance ration consumed 4% and efficiently utilized 1 or 2% urea. Blood ammonia levels did not reach levels associated with toxicity at any level of urea used. The plasma urea level seemed to reflect the overall change in ammonia production in the rumen.

Footnotes

1 This investigation was supported by Farmland Industries, Kansas City, Missouri. The authors express their appreciation especially to Dr. B. W. Beadle of this organization.

2 Contribution from the Missouri Ag Experiment Station. Journal Series No. 6616. Approved by the Director.

3 Present address: Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville 37916.

4 Department of Animal Husbandry.






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Copyright © 1974 by the American Society of Animal Science.