Effects of nitrogen supplements on intake and utilization of low quality forages.

Abstract

Experiments conducted by the authors and their colleagues in the previous five years are summarized. It is concluded that dietary requirements for rumen-degradable, nitrogen (RDN) can be supplied entirely as nonprotein nitrogen (NPN): Also, that supplements of 'NPN and proteins are equally effective in stimulating forage intake, when intake of RDN in the forage is low, provided that intake of NPN is not too infrequent. When intake of NPN is too'infrequent, such as when grazing animals have access to urea/molasses blocks or licks, protein supplements are likely to be more effective as slow-release sources of RDN.