A Comparison of Ammoniated Molasses, Urea, and Cottonseed Meal as a Source of Nitrogen in The Ration of Dairy Heifers

Summary A feeding trial, involving 33 dairy heifers, was conducted to study the effect of ammoniated molasses and urea in place of cottonseed meal in the regular ration of dairy heifers. Ammoniated molasses and urea supplied 30% of the protein equivalent in the concentrate and 18% of the protein equivalent in the total ration. Similar gains were made by all groups receiving either ration. The average daily gains for the heifers on the ammoniated molasses, urea, and cottonseed meal rations were 1.04, 0.92, and 1.23 lb., respectively. More feed or energy was required to produce a unit of gain by the animals receiving urea. Neither ammoniated molasses nor urea altered the palatability of the feed. No physiological effects due to the feeding of ammoniated molasses or urea were observed in any of the animals receiving these supplements in their ration.