A network meta-analysis of the impact of feed-grade and slow-release ureas on lactating dairy cattle

A network meta-analysis was conducted to determine the effects of feeding feed-grade urea (FGU) or slow-release urea (SRU) as a replacement for true protein supplements (control; CTR) in high-producing dairy cattle diets. Research papers were selected (n = 44) from experiments published between 1971 and 2021 based on the following criteria: dairy breed, detailed description of the isonitrogenous diets fed, provision of FGU or SRU (or both), high-yielding cows (>25 kg/cow per day), and results that included at least milk yield and composition, but data on nutrient intake, digestibility, ruminal fermentation profile, and N utilization were also considered. Most studies compared only 2 treatments, and a network meta-analysis approach was adopted to compare the effects among CTR, FGU, and SRU. Data were analyzed using a generalized linear mixed model network meta-analysis. Forest plots of milk yield were used to visualize the estimated effect size of treatments. Cows included in the study produced 32.9 ± 5.7 L/d of milk, 3.46 ± 5.0% of fat, and 3.11 ± 0.2% of protein with an intake of 22.1 ± 3.45 kg of dry matter. Average diet composition was 1.65 ± 0.07 Mcal of net energy for lactation, 16.4 ± 1.45% CP, 30.8 ± 5.91% neutral detergent fiber, and 23.0 ± 4.62% starch. Average supply of FGU was 209 g/cow per day, whereas the average supply of SRU was 204 g/cow per day. With some exceptions, feeding FGU and SRU did not affect nutrient intake and digestibility, N utilization, and milk yield and composition. However, the FGU reduced the acetate proportion (61.6 vs. 59.7 mol/100 mol) and the SRU reduced the butyrate proportion (12.4 vs. 11.9 mol/100 mol) compared with CTR. Ruminal ammonia-N concentration increased from 8.47 to 11.5 and 9.3 mg/dL in CTR, FGU, and SRU, respectively. Urinary nitrogen excretion increased from 171 to 198 g/d in CTR versus the 2 urea treatments, respectively. The use of moderate doses of FGU in high-producing dairy cows may be justified based on its lower cost.