Indications and implications for testing of milk urea in dairy cattle: A quantitative review. Part 1. Dietary protein sources and metabolism

Abstract

Milk urea concentrations in dairy cattle. There has been increased use of milk urea concentration as an indicator of dietary protein intake and protein metabolism in dairy cattle over recent years. The value of milk urea content data in predicting dietary composition, particularly for pasture-fed cattle, has not been well described.

Protein metabolism and urea synthesis. Many factors influence the degradation of dietary proteins in the rumen, post-ruminal protein metabolism and urea synthesis in cattle. Strong positive correlations between nitrogenous fertiliser use and the crude protein content of pastures were identified by use of meta-analysis. Similar strong positive correlations were noted between dietary protein intake, rumen ammonia and plasma urea concentrations. The costs of urea synthesis include energy losses, and importantly, the loss of endogenous amino acids, which are deaminated in the synthesis of urea.

Milk urea as an indictor of protein metabolism. Urea concentrations in blood, plasma and milk are strongly correlated. Milk is an adequate indicator of blood and plasma urea content, but non-nutritional factors may significantly influence milk urea concentrations. Recommendations for dietary protein management based on milk urea concentrations must be undertaken with care.