Animal urea feed is a low-cost nutritional supplement mainly used for cattle and buffaloes, especially when green fodder or protein-rich feed is limited. Urea is a source of non-protein nitrogen, which helps rumen microorganisms produce protein for the animal. When prepared and fed properly, urea feed improves digestion, milk production, and overall animal health. However, it must be prepared carefully, as improper use can harm animals.
Urea feed is usually given by mixing urea with molasses and roughage. Molasses provides energy and improves taste, while roughage like straw supports digestion. Animals should never be fed raw urea directly, as it can cause poisoning. Urea feed is suitable only for ruminant animals such as cows, buffaloes, sheep, and goats. It should never be given to calves below six months, poultry, pigs, or horses.
One common and safe method is preparing urea-molasses-treated straw. To prepare this, take 100 kg of dry straw, such as wheat straw or paddy straw. In a separate container, dissolve 1 kg of urea in 10 liters of water. In another container, mix 10 kg of molasses with water to make it flow easily. Then mix the urea solution and molasses solution together well.
Now spread the dry straw on a clean floor and sprinkle the prepared liquid mixture evenly over it. Turn the straw properly so that all parts are moistened. The straw should be damp, not dripping wet. After mixing, cover the straw with a plastic sheet or gunny bags and keep it undisturbed for 24 hours. This allows proper absorption and improves palatability.
After 24 hours, the treated straw is ready to feed. It should be fed gradually, starting with a small quantity, and then slowly increasing over a week. Adult cattle can be given about 2 to 3 kg of treated straw per day along with normal fodder. Treated straw should always be fed with sufficient green fodder or dry fodder to ensure balanced nutrition.
Another method is preparing urea-molasses lick blocks, which are solid feed blocks that animals lick slowly. These are prepared by mixing urea, molasses, mineral mixture, cement or clay, and bran in correct proportion and shaping into blocks. These blocks provide controlled intake and reduce the risk of overconsumption.
While using urea feed, farmers must follow some important precautions. Urea should never exceed the recommended quantity. Clean drinking water should always be available to animals. Urea feed should be introduced slowly, not suddenly. Animals showing signs like excessive salivation, tremors, or restlessness should be immediately stopped from urea feeding and given veterinary attention.
Urea feed should be prepared fresh and stored properly. Moist or spoiled feed should not be given. Only good-quality urea meant for animal feeding or fertilizer-grade urea without additives should be used.
In conclusion, animal urea feed is a useful and economical option to improve livestock nutrition when prepared and used correctly. With proper mixing, gradual feeding, and necessary precautions, farmers can safely use urea feed to support better digestion, milk yield, and animal health while reducing feed costs.
