Effect of a polymer-coated urea based diet on the performance of lactating dairy cows

Abstract

The aims of this study were to determine:1) nitrogen (N) release of a polymer-coated urea (PCU), 2) effects of PCU on the in vitro dry matter degradation (TVDMD) of a diet for lactating cows and 3) effects of addition of PCU (1%) to the diet on milk production of dairy cows. The N release of urea, PCU and soybean meal (SBM) were evaluated under in vitro conditions for 12 h. N release of PCU was lower than urea, but higher as compared to SBM. TVDMD of the diet with or without PCU was similar. The PCU increased the in vitro ammonia N and volatile fatty acids concentration. Milk yield, fat-corrected milk and components were not affected by PCU. Thus PCU did not affect production and quality of milk in dairy cows. © GSP, India.