What is needed to help use the “non-protein nitrogen” in the ration?
Energy from a carbohydrate source such as grain is required. A minimum of 3 to 4 pounds of grain per head per day is needed to improve urea utilization. When urea is broken down in the rumen, ammonia is produced. Ammonia can cross into the blood stream and be transported to all parts of the body. The liver converts the ammonia back to urea, and in turn is re-used by the animal when passed back into the rumen through saliva. If the ammonia levels in the blood get too concentrated, carbon dioxide is not released in the lungs and this interferes with oxygen absorption. If the condition gets severe, animals can die of oxygen deprivation.
