Understanding urea supplementation

ELLANIE SMITWINDHOEKIt is very important to feed the correct amount of urea to animals and to provide or mix urea-containing lick supplements according to instructions.Moreover, it is advisable to consult an animal nutritionist or livestock expert, says Agribank’s technical advisor for livestock and rangeland management, Erastus Ngaruka.“The use or role of urea is often not well understood, apart from it being labelled as a risk to livestock,” he says.Urea is a non-protein nitrogen compound used in animal feed to improve rumen function.DigestionThe digestive system of a ruminant animal is comprised of four stomach compartments: the rumen, abomasum, omasum and the reticulum.“Each of these compartments has specialised functions in the process of digestion. In brief, this process involves the breaking of ingested feed particles into smaller particles, absorption of nutrients and water, as well as the parting of excrete from the feed.”The rumen is the principal compartment for the fermentation of ingested feed.“This fermentation or breakdown of food is performed by the microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) living in the rumen, referred to as rumen microbes.”Ngaruka explains that the efficiency of fermentation in the rumen depends on the effectiveness of these rumen microbes, which largely depends on the levels of nitrogen, sulphur, and energy in the diet. Furthermore, the effective use of urea depends on the population of rumen microbes and the energy content of the feed.When the urea enters the rumen, the microbes break it down to release ammonia (a gas) which is then converted to a protein known as microbial protein.The microbes use this protein as their food to grow and multiply, thus enhancing their performance in terms of digestion and improving rumen function.“Therefore, urea is needed during the dry season to help animals digest the dry forage materials effectively. Much of the urea in licks and feed is utilised by the microbes rather than by the animal body itself.”PoisoningNgaruka further says that urea becomes problematic when it releases ammonia in excess, and all cannot be converted into protein by the microbes.This ammonia is transported to the liver for detoxing and excretion (removal) from the body via urine. However, when ammonia is excessive, it is toxic to the liver. This happens when there is insufficient fermentable energy in the feed to help the breakdown of urea or when the feed contains significantly high crude protein.ON the other hand, urea is also a problem when not carefully handled.“When urea is not thoroughly mixed and forms lumps, the animal is at risk of ingesting too much at once. A tablespoon of urea can be potent enough for the animal.”Moreover, urea dissolves easily in water. If the animal drinks such water, it will be poisoned. It is therefore advisable to avoid giving urea supplements when it is raining, and not to expose the lick trough to moist conditions.The onset of symptoms after the ingestion of urea can range from 30 minutes to three hours, depending on the amount ingested.The symptoms of urea poisoning include muscle twitching, frothy salivation, incoordination, spasms, bloat, abdominal pain, rapid breathing, and weakness.The most basic and available remedies for treating urea poisoning is water and vinegar. For cattle, a mixture of vinegar (750 ml) and a one litre of water can be dosed, while half a bottle of vinegar and half a litre of water is sufficient for sheep and goats.“It is important to provide the right supplements at the right time to the right animal in the right amount. Furthermore, supervise the mixing and provision of lick supplements, and always observe the behaviour and condition of animals, especially at feeding. Lastly, provide urea supplements (protein and energy licks) during the dry season, and mineral supplements (phosphate licks) during the rainy season.”

Understanding urea supplementation

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Namibian Sun 2026-09-17

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Understanding urea supplementation

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Namibian Sun 2026-09-17

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