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Non-Protein Nitrogen in Range Supplements¹

University of Nebraska, North Platte Station 69101

Abstract

Six experiments were conducted during six consecutive winters to determine the value of urea and feed-grade biuret in supplements fed to growing calves wintered on native range. Forty percent protein supplements containing 3% or 6% urea were compared with an all natural protein supplement. Supplements with equivalent amounts of nitrogen from biuret were compared with urea and natural protein supplements. Increased levels of biuret up to 12% of the supplement were evaluated with and without dehydrated alfalfa in the supplement. All supplements were individually fed daily at the rate of .68 kg except the controls or when hay was fed or when an attempt was made to equalize energy intake.

In four experiments average daily gains of calves that received .68 kg of a 40% protein supplement per head per day containing all natural protein, 3% urea or 6% urea were .26, .25 and .19 kg, respectively. Two types of urea carriers (extruded starch-urea and clay-urea) did not improve its utilization. In two experiments where a comparable amount of nitrogen from biuret or urea was used in the supplement average daily gains were .23, .21, .13, .19 and .20 kg, respectively for the calves fed all natural protein, 3% urea, 6% urea, 3.6% biuret and 7.1% biuret.

The average daily gains of calves fed supplements with 3, 6, 9 and 12% biuret decreased when there was no dehydrated alfalfa in the supplement, .36, .32, .26 and .23 kg, respectively, but did not decrease when dehydrated alfalfa was in the supplement.

These experiments indicate that supplements containing non-protein nitrogen from urea are not as effective as all natural protein supplements for meeting protein requirements of growing calves wintered on native range. Supplements containing biuret were better than those containing urea, especially when dehydrated alfalfa was in the supplement.

¹ Published as Paper No. 5360. Journal Series, Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station

² Former graduate students contributing to the project were L. E. Jones, J. F. Karn and H. L. Peterson.