Urea (Feed Grade) — Livestock Feed Analysis
Feed-grade urea is a non-protein nitrogen (NPN) source that provides a crude protein equivalent of 281% (45% nitrogen x 6.25 protein conversion factor). Rumen microorganisms convert urea nitrogen into microbial protein, which the animal then digests in the small intestine. Urea is the most concentrated and economical nitrogen source available for ruminant feeding but must be used carefully. Maximum recommended inclusion is 1% of total diet dry matter or 0.15 lbs per 100 lbs body weight per day. Urea is toxic to monogastric animals and should NEVER be fed to horses, swine, or poultry. Ruminants must be adapted to urea gradually over 2-3 weeks, and urea should always be thoroughly mixed with grain or other feeds to prevent concentrated doses. Adequate dietary energy (starch) must be available for rumen microbes to utilize the ammonia released from urea; otherwise, ammonia is absorbed into the bloodstream and can cause toxicity.
Which Animals Can Urea (Feed Grade) Feed?
The table below shows how Urea (Feed Grade) performs as a sole feed source for each of the 20 livestock species in our database. At 281% crude protein and 0% TDN, this feed meets the protein requirement for animals needing up to 281% CP and the energy requirement for animals needing up to 0% TDN. In practice, feeds are rarely used as the sole source; this analysis helps determine where urea (feed grade) fits in a mixed ration.
| Animal | Needs CP | Needs TDN | As-Fed/Day | CP Met? | TDN Met? | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beef Cow | 7% | 52% | 24.2 lbs | Yes | No | $181.82 |
| Dairy Cow | 16% | 70% | 49.5 lbs | Yes | No | $371.21 |
| Horse | 10% | 55% | 22.2 lbs | Yes | No | $166.67 |
| Meat Goat | 10% | 55% | 5.3 lbs | Yes | No | $39.77 |
| Dairy Goat | 14% | 65% | 6.1 lbs | Yes | No | $45.45 |
| Sheep | 10% | 55% | 5.3 lbs | Yes | No | $39.77 |
| Pig (Sow/Boar) | 14% | 75% | 12.1 lbs | Yes | No | $90.91 |
| Pig (Grower/Finisher) | 16% | 80% | 7.6 lbs | Yes | No | $56.82 |
| Chicken (Layer) | 16% | 70% | 0.2 lbs | Yes | No | $1.52 |
| Chicken (Broiler) | 20% | 78% | 0.3 lbs | Yes | No | $2.27 |
| Turkey | 22% | 75% | 0.9 lbs | Yes | No | $6.63 |
| Duck | 16% | 70% | 0.3 lbs | Yes | No | $2.39 |
| Rabbit | 16% | 65% | 0.3 lbs | Yes | No | $2.12 |
| Llama | 10% | 55% | 6.4 lbs | Yes | No | $47.73 |
| Alpaca | 10% | 55% | 2.7 lbs | Yes | No | $20.45 |
| Donkey | 8% | 50% | 7.6 lbs | Yes | No | $56.82 |
| Bison | 7% | 52% | 36.4 lbs | Yes | No | $272.73 |
| Elk | 12% | 60% | 20.2 lbs | Yes | No | $151.52 |
| White-tailed Deer | 12% | 60% | 5.0 lbs | Yes | No | $37.88 |
| Miniature Horse | 10% | 55% | 6.1 lbs | Yes | No | $45.45 |
Cost Comparison with Similar Feeds
Selecting the most cost-effective feed requires comparing both the as-fed price and the price per ton of dry matter. The table below compares Urea (Feed Grade) with other feeds in the supplement category and common reference feeds. The cost per ton of dry matter accounts for moisture content, providing a fair comparison between feeds with different moisture levels.
| Feed | DM % | CP % | TDN % | $/Ton | $/Ton DM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grass Hay | 88% | 8% | 52% | $150 | $170 |
| Alfalfa Hay | 90% | 18% | 58% | $250 | $278 |
| Whole Corn | 88% | 9% | 88% | $220 | $250 |
| Mineral Supplement | 98% | 0% | 0% | $800 | $816 |
| Salt Block | 100% | 0% | 0% | $300 | $300 |
| Kelp Meal | 90% | 6% | 45% | $1200 | $1333 |
| Fat Supplement (Bypass Fat) | 99% | 0% | 180% | $1000 | $1010 |
| Urea (Feed Grade) | 99% | 281% | 0% | $500 | $505 |
Feeding Guidelines for Urea (Feed Grade)
When incorporating urea (feed grade) into a livestock feeding program, consider the following nutritional characteristics. With a dry matter content of 99%, each pound of as-fed urea (feed grade) provides 0.99 lbs of actual dry matter. The crude protein content of 281% means that each pound of dry matter delivers 45.0 grams of crude protein. The TDN content of 0% indicates the proportion of the feed that is digestible and available for energy.
The cost of urea (feed grade) at $500 per ton translates to $0.250 per pound as-fed or $0.253 per pound of dry matter. When evaluating whether to use this feed, compare the cost per unit of the nutrient you are trying to supply. If you need protein, calculate the cost per pound of crude protein. If you need energy, calculate the cost per unit of TDN. The most economical feed choice depends on which nutrient is the limiting factor in your ration and the relative prices of available feeds in your local market.
Storage requirements vary by feed type and moisture content. Feeds with less than 15% moisture (most dry hays and grains) can be stored in open-sided barns or covered stacks for months to years without significant nutrient loss. Feeds with higher moisture content require either airtight storage (silage, haylage) or must be consumed within days of delivery (wet brewers grains, wet distillers grains). Proper storage prevents mold growth, mycotoxin contamination, and dry matter losses that can significantly increase the effective cost per unit of nutrition delivered to the animal.
Always introduce new feeds gradually over a period of 7-14 days, increasing the proportion of the new feed while decreasing the old feed by equal amounts each day. Sudden dietary changes disrupt the microbial population in the rumen (for ruminants) or the hindgut (for horses), potentially causing digestive disturbances ranging from mild loose stools to life-threatening acidosis or colic. This gradual transition is especially important when switching between forages and concentrates, or when introducing high-starch feeds like corn or barley to animals previously consuming an all-forage diet.
Other Feed Types
Compare nutritional profiles and costs for all livestock feeds in our database.