is urea a protein
Feed-grade urea can be an effective source of protein in beef cattle diets. The high cost of feed grains and many high-protein grains may make the use of urea as a protein source very cost-effective in many cattle diets.Several issues must be considered, though, to make its use most effective.Urea is a non-protein nitrogen compound. That is, the nitrogen portion of urea is used as the building block for the production of protein by rumen microbes. Most urea contains about 45% nitrogen, and protein contains 16% nitrogen.Therefore, when urea is converted to protein, the crude protein equivalent value of urea is about 281%. It must be recalled that urea contains no other useful feed components such as energy, minerals, or vitamins.everal issues must be considered, though, to make its use most effective. Urea is a non-protein nitrogen compound. That is, the nitrogen portion of urea is used as the building block for the production of protein by rumen microbes. Most urea contains about 45% nitrogen, and protein contains 16% nitrogen.