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Feed Grade Biuret as a Protein Replacement for Ruminants. A Review¹

Utah State University, Logon 84321

Abstract

The influence of nonprotein nitrogen (NPN) on maintenance, reproduction, growth and lactation in ruminants is reviewed here. Particular attention is given to animal response to feed grade biuret as a nitrogen source. Comparative response to biuret, urea and plant protein supplements fed to cattle and sheep are tabulated. Generally, plant proteins stimulate the most efficient animal growth and milk production. Animal response is satisfactory, however, when biuret and other NPN products provide part of the nitrogen requirements. When low quality forage diets deficient in nitrogen were fed to ruminants, response to feed grade biuret was very good. Supplementation with biuret and urea stimulated good response from animals receiving medium and high energy diets.

Industrial synthesis, physical and chemical properties, and metabolism of biuret and urea by ruminant animals are compared. The slow enzymatic hydrolysis of biuret in the rumen retards ammonia production. This is cited as the primary reason biuret is readily consumed by animals at high levels. Biuret is comparatively non-toxic and therefore can be used at high levels in protein supplements and complete diets. Because of its low solubility in water, biuret can withstand the effects of weathering when blended into protein supplements and mineral mixes which are exposed to the environment of range feeding conditions. Biuret is an excellent source of NPN for adding to silage at ensiling time since it does not participate in the fermentation reactions nor affect the quality of the silage. It also makes an excellent NPN additive for liquid supplements. Methods of supplementing energy feeds and self-fed mixtures using biuret are discussed.

¹ Utah Agricultural Experiment Station Journal Series No. 1865.

² Research associate Animal Science Department.

³ Research associate Animal Science Department and Associate Director, International Feedstuffs Institute.

⁴ Professor, Animal Science and Director, International Feedstuffs Institute.

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