The use of non-protein nitrogen (NPN), such as urea, has been a significant development in the livestock industry, especially for ruminants like cattle and sheep. Urea contains about 46% nitrogen, which is equivalent to approximately 280% of crude protein. This means that 1 kg of urea can replace about 6 kg of soybean meal in terms of protein content. Since the 1960s, many countries have started incorporating urea into ruminant feed as an economical way to supplement protein, particularly in areas where corn is abundant. In China, with its large-scale corn production, the application of NPN through expansion technology has proven to be an effective and cost-efficient method for improving feed quality and animal performance. Understanding the Mechanism Once urea enters the rumen, it is broken down into ammonia and carbon dioxide by the enzyme urease. Rumen microorganisms then use this ammonia to synthesize bacterial proteins, which are later digested and absorbed in the stomach and small intestine. These bacterial proteins have high nutritional value, providing essential amino acids that support growth and productivity. However, if too much urea is consumed at once, the rapid release of ammonia can overwhelm the microbial system, leading to excessive blood ammonia levels and potential toxicity. Therefore, proper management is crucial when using urea as a nitrogen source—this includes controlling the amount added and using methods to slow the release of ammonia in the rumen. Challenges of Direct Urea Feeding Feeding urea directly presents several challenges. First, urea has a very bitter taste, which reduces palatability and may lead to lower feed intake. Second, due to the fast release of ammonia, not all of it is efficiently used by the microbes, resulting in some being excreted through urine, reducing overall effectiveness. Third, excessive urea consumption can lead to ammonia poisoning, which can be dangerous or even fatal to ruminants. These issues highlight the need for improved delivery systems, such as gelatinized urea, which offer better control over ammonia release and safer feeding practices. The Advantages of Puffed Corn-Urea Complex Protein By combining urea with high-starch grains like corn and using puffing technology, a more controlled and efficient feed product can be created. The puffed corn helps absorb and slowly release urea, reducing the risk of ammonia toxicity. Additionally, the process enhances the palatability of the feed, making it more appealing to animals. This form of urea also improves the utilization of nutrients, increases microbial protein synthesis, and boosts fiber digestion by up to 15-20%. The result is better weight gain, higher milk production, and improved health in livestock. Key Benefits of Using Gelatinized Urea Composite Protein 1. Improved Palatability: The puffing process creates a sweet and aromatic flavor, making the feed more attractive to animals.
2. Controlled Ammonia Release: By slowing the breakdown of urea, the release of ammonia becomes more gradual, allowing better microbial utilization.
3. Higher Digestibility: The gelatinized starch increases the efficiency of nutrient absorption, with up to 85% of the urea being utilized by the rumen microbes.
4. Increased Growth and Milk Production: Studies show that animals fed with this composite protein gain weight faster and produce more milk.
5. Enhanced Disease Resistance: The high temperature during puffing helps eliminate harmful bacteria, while natural growth promoters improve digestion and immunity.
6. Cost-Effective: This feed can replace large amounts of soybean meal and concentrate, significantly lowering feed costs by 20-40%. A field trial involving 200 beef cattle demonstrated the effectiveness of this approach. Over 40 days, the experimental group, which received 250g of the composite protein daily, showed a 34% increase in daily weight gain compared to the control group. This proves that using puffed corn-urea complex protein is a practical and beneficial strategy for improving livestock performance while keeping costs low. Single Chafer Mobile Cutlinary Station,Chafer Mobile Cutlinary Station,Mobile Cutlinary Station,Chafing Dish Buffet Shaoxing Biaoyi Hardware Products Co., Ltd. , https://www.byeob.com