Urea can be used to improve poor-quality dry fodder like wheat straw, paddy straw, jowar stalks, and other crop residues. The main benefit is that urea adds nitrogen (which helps rumen microbes), and it also softens the straw so animals can eat more and digest it better. But urea must be used carefully. Wrong method or overdose can cause urea poisoning, so follow the process properly and never feed raw urea directly to animals.
The most common and safe method is urea treatment of straw (also called urea-ammoniation). For this, the usual recommendation is a 4% urea solution on a dry fodder basis. A simple farm calculation is: for 100 kg dry straw, dissolve 4 kg urea in about 40 litres of clean water. Mix until urea is fully dissolved. Spread the straw on a clean floor and sprinkle the solution layer by layer. After wetting each layer, press it well so the solution spreads evenly. The straw should become moist but not dripping. If water is dripping out, it means too much water was added. Even mixing is the key—some parts should not remain dry and some parts should not become over-wet.
After mixing, make a heap (or fill in a drum/pit). Compact it well to remove air, then cover it airtight using plastic sheet or gunny bags lined with plastic. Seal all sides properly with mud or weights so air cannot enter. Keep it closed for about 2–3 weeks. In warm weather, it is usually ready in around 21 days. In cooler weather, it may need 28 days. During this period, urea converts into ammonia, which breaks down the fibre and increases feed value.
When opening the treated fodder, you may notice an ammonia smell. This is normal. Open the heap and keep the fodder spread in shade for 30–60 minutes so excess gas escapes, then feed it. Start slowly for the first few days and gradually increase, so animals get used to the taste. Always provide normal green fodder or some concentrate along with it. Urea-treated straw should not be the only feed.
Important safety points: do not feed urea-treated fodder to very young calves (especially below 3 months). Do not feed treated straw to hungry animals in large quantity at once. Always ensure fresh clean drinking water is available. Never sprinkle urea powder directly on fodder and feed—this is risky. Also avoid using treated fodder if it has become mouldy due to air leakage or excess moisture.
Some farmers also use urea in concentrate mixtures, but that needs expert balancing. As a general safe rule, urea should be only a small part of the total diet and must be mixed very evenly. Urea works best when there is enough energy in the ration (like grains or molasses), along with minerals and salt.
If done correctly, urea-treated straw is a low-cost way to improve fodder intake and milk or weight performance, especially in dry seasons when green fodder is limited. The key is correct mixing, airtight storage, proper waiting period, and gradual feeding with good overall ration management.
