Evaluation of regulated release supplements for ewes in late pregnancy fed hay based diets

Abstract

Urea is a cheap source of non-protein nitrogen that can be included in ewe diets to meet their increasing demand for protein during late pregnancy. However, its rapid rate of ammonia release results in inefficient utilisation of the nitrogen by rumen microbes. New technology which binds urea with sugar has been developed to reduce the rate of ammonia release (regulated release) in the rumen and increase the efficiency of nitrogen utilisation. The objectives of this work was to evaluate the effects of including a regulated urea release product in the diet of ewes during late pregnancy on ewe and lamb performance.