Nitrogen Utilization in Goats Consuming Buffelgrass Hay and Molasses-Based Blocks with Incremental Urea Levels

Area of Science:

• Animal Nutrition
• Ruminant Physiology
• Sustainable Agriculture

Background:

• Goat meat production is hindered by nutritional challenges.
• Urea is a cost-effective non-protein nitrogen source for ruminants.
• Optimizing nitrogen utilization is key for efficient goat farming.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate nitrogen utilization in goats fed low-quality hay supplemented with urea-molasses blocks.
• To determine the impact of varying urea levels on nitrogen balance and intake.
• To establish the crude protein requirement for goats consuming forage with urea supplements.

Main Methods:

• Twenty Anglo-Nubian doelings were fed Buffelgrass hay ad libitum.
• Goats received molasses blocks with 0, 2, 4, or 6% urea for 30 days.
• Nitrogen balance, dry matter intake, and nutrient digestibility were measured.

Main Results:

• Negative nitrogen balance occurred without urea; positive balance with 6% urea.
• Nitrogen intake increased significantly with higher urea levels.
• Urea supplementation did not alter dry matter or fiber digestibility.

Conclusions:

• Urea supplementation up to 6% in molasses blocks enhances nitrogen utilization in goats.
• An 8% crude protein level is recommended for goats on low-quality forage supplemented with urea.
• This study provides insights into optimizing nutrition for goats using urea-based supplements.