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Validation of Urea Dilution to Estimate In Vivo Body Composition in Cattle^1,2,

Texas Tech University, Lubbock 79409

Abstract

Urea dilution was validated as an estimator of body composition using two approaches. Urea space was determined in 54 growing Hereford x Angus and Chianina (27 of each type) cattle. Empty body composition (percent water and fat) was determined using carcass specific gravity (CSG). Empty body composition estimated from urea dilution and an independent equation agreed with the composition predicted from CSG (slope = .98, r² = .67, P<.001). Urea space was also evaluated as a biological entity (lean body percentage) using the composition indicated by the regression equations relating urea space to body composition. In both approaches, the observed urea dilution results agreed with the predicted values. It is concluded that urea dilution is a valid estimator of body composition in growing-finishing cattle.

¹ Approved for publication by the Dean of the College of Agr. Sci. as publication no. T-5-216. Funds for this study were partially provided by the Thornton Endowment, Texas Tech Univ.

² The authors acknowledge the assistance of Mr. Bill Thorne and XIT Feeders, Dalhart, TX 79022 for the care and feeding of the cattle.

³ Dept. of Anim. Sci.

⁴ Visiting scientist from Dept. of Anim. Sci. and Poul. Sci., Univ. of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, Republic of South Africa.

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