Interval Urea Infusion for Lambs

Abstract

THREE metabolism trials were conducted to study the effect of interval infusions (0-, 1-, 3- or 12-hr. intervals repeated every 12 hr.) of urea into the rumen of lambs fed twice daily. An apparatus was developed to mechanically effect interval intraruminal urea infusions repeatedly and thereby simulate rapid and slow ammonia release NPN compounds. With dietary energy levels of 60, 65 and 75% TDN, the infusion of urea to supplement the basal diet to approximately 12% protein generally improved nitrogen retention. With the high energy diet, 1-hr. or rapid infusion proved superior to more gradual infusions. With all diets, the 1-hr. or 3-hr. infusions supported greater nitrogen retentions than continuous infusion. With lower energy diets, as infusion time was extended to 3 hr., nitrogen balance improved slightly. Urea infusions did not significantly affect dry matter digestibility. Copyright © 1973. American Society of Animal Science . Copyright 1973 by American Society of Animal Science.