What Are the Treatments for High Urea Nitrogen?

High urea nitrogen, also known as urea toxicity, develops when the urea added to livestock feed is too great. Urea is a useful dietary supplement for livestock, particularly ruminants (cows and other animals that chew cud), when natural foods with a high nitrogen content like soy and alfalfa are in short supply.

  1. Symptoms

    • According to T. Stanton, Ph.D., a feedlot specialist at Colorado State University, symptoms of urea toxicity include nervousness, drooling, tremors, hyper-ventilation, lack of coordination, bloating and finally severe spasms. Urea toxicity can be fatal to livestock.

    Emergency Treatment

    • The cow can be given a gallon of vinegar as an emergency treatment. The vinegar lowers the pH of the rumen and neutralizes ammonia production.

    Veterinary Treatment

    • If the cow can be handled (spasms in the later stages of urea toxicity may prevent handling), a tube may be inserted and the first compartment of the stomach flushed with cold water and acetic acid. Most cows don't survive urea toxicity, thus the best approach is prevention.

    Urea Toxicity Prevention

    • Some livestock feeds come pre-mixed with a urea supplement. Use of these feeds is safe for cattle if the manufacturer's recommendations are followed. If cattle farmers choose to mix their own feed compound, they must take into account the size of the cattle, the type and whether a cow is milked.

    Urea Tolerance

    • Cattle develop a tolerance for urea. It is important, therefore, to introduce urea gradually to the diet. If for some reason urea is temporarily removed from the diet, it must be introduced again slowly to prevent urea toxicity.