Urea supplies with 46%, more than any other component, a maximum of nitrogen. Cows are utilizing this nitrogen for protein formation in the rumen. Especially high-energy rations (e.g., with high proportions of corn silage) can efficiently be upgraded with the help of urea. In that way, an occurring negative ruminale nitrogen balance (RNB) can be compensated.
In ruminants, the bacteria in the rumen convert the urea into ammonia. Ammonia can then be used as a nitrogen source by the rumen bacteria for the synthesis of bacterial protein, thereby improving the supply of protein for the animals. Due to the optimal amino acid pattern, this bacterial protein becomes the most important source of protein for ruminants.
Gradual and continuous release of Urea
For a high performance of dairy cows, it is also very important to ensure that the nitrogen supply to the rumen bacteria is always sufficient. A too high proportion of "protected components" can cause a nitrogen deficiency in the rumen and lead to a decreased activity of rumen bacteria and to a suboptimal microbial protein synthesis. In extreme cases the rumen bacteria can also starve to death. The performance of the cow finally collapses, and therefore the use of the expensive protected components is counterproductive.
Fatrix-Urea is encapsulated and has the slow-release-effect
The increase in milk yield for cows is also requiring a higher feed intake. The higher intake leads to a higher speed of passage, so that the remaining time of the feed-substrate in the rumen reduces. High yielding cows with daily milk-production of 50 kg or more have a passage rate of 12% per hour. This means that the feed remains for only 8 hours in the rumen.
Rumen bacteria require consistent conditions
Slow-release products, such as Victurea® have to release their active components within this 8 hour time-duration. However, for the rumen bacteria, it is important to act under consistent conditions. Only then, optimal rumen fermentation can be ensured for high performing cows. If the nitrogen is extremely rapidly released in the rumen of cows, as is the case with normal (non-protected) feed urea, it leads to undesired short-term and immediate surplus of high and steep levels of nitrogen in the rumen.
For that reason, Victurea® is embedded and encapsulated by layers of specific fat, which prevents the immediate dissolution of the Urea. The urea is gradually released over a longer period. This "slow release"-effect is an essential condition for an efficient and successful utilization of urea. With the Victurea® concept, dairy farms with high milk yield performance have a nutritional solution available, which promotes rumen health effectively. Because only a healthy, well-functioning rumen assures high performance and optimal fertility in dairy cows.
Benefits of Victurea®
- Victurea® assures an improved and consistent nitrogen supply to the rumen bacteria without restraining the metabolism of the cow.
- Victurea® improves the digestibility of the ration through a continuous flow of nitrogen-supply to the rumen bacteria.
- Victurea® compensates a 'negative ruminal nitrogen balance' (RNB).
- Victurea® has shown in field trials to result in improved feed intake and increased milk yield.