Product Overview
Urea (Molecular formula: CH4N2O, Molecular weight: 60.06, CAS NO.: 57-13-6) is a colorless or white odorless crystalline powder or little flakes. It features hygroscopicity with a relative density of 1.335 and a melting point of 132.7ºC. It is highly soluble in water, ethanol, and benzene.
⭐ Industrial & Food Applications
Used as yeast food and gum confection improver. It also plays a vital role in ethanol drinks, glutin products, wines, and yeast-fermented baking products.
⭐ Feed-Grade Urea Benefits
As an essential source of non-protein nitrogen (NPN), it is widely utilized for ruminants such as cattle and sheep:
Protein Supplementation: Contains approx 46% nitrogen (288% crude protein equivalent), aiding in high-quality microbial protein synthesis.
Cost Optimization: Reduces reliance on expensive traditional protein feeds like soybean meal.
Digestion Efficiency: Broken down into ammonia in the rumen to improve feed digestibility and nutrient absorption.
Production Performance: Increases milk yield in dairy cows and daily weight gain in beef cattle.
Microbial Growth: Promotes fiber-degrading bacteria, assisting in cellulose breakdown and resource conservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the primary role of feed-grade urea for ruminants?
It serves as a non-protein nitrogen (NPN) source that helps ruminants synthesize high-quality microbial protein, replacing more expensive protein sources like soybean meal.
2. How much protein does urea provide?
Feed-grade urea contains approximately 46% nitrogen, which is equivalent to about 288% crude protein when processed by rumen microorganisms.
3. What are the food-grade applications of Urea?
It is used as a yeast nutrient and gum confection improver, as well as in fermented baking products and certain alcoholic beverages.
4. Are there any risks of toxicity with Urea in feed?
Yes, dosage must be strictly monitored. It is generally recommended not to exceed 1% of the dry matter of the total feed to prevent ammonia poisoning.
5. What is the recommended storage environment?
Urea should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated warehouse, kept strictly away from water and moisture to maintain its granular integrity.
6. Can urea be added to silage?
Yes, it is often added to silage at a rate of roughly 0.5% of the wet weight to increase the overall protein content of the roughage.