Starea, urea, or soybean meal as a protein source in growing and finishing cattle rations

Abstract

Use of urea in beef cattle rations, particularly in rations containing high levels of roughage (growing-type rations), has been limited by urea’s toxicity, segregation and mixing problems, palatability, and poor use by animals. We compared soybean meal, Starea® (44% protein equivalent), Starea ® (60% protein equivalent), a milo-urea pellet, and a urea-infused milo berry material as protein (nitrogen) supplements in growing-type rations. Animals used in a nitrogen-balance study were then fed a 70% concentrate ration, receiving the same sources of protein.