Work

Urophagia in lactating cows associated with nitrogen deficiency in the diet - case reports

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT This article describes two cases where adult dairy or beef cows, fed exclusively with corn or sorghum silage, began to ingest urine greedily. Providing 20 to 40g of urea/100kg of body weight was able to suppress urophagia in these two herds. In a situation where adult cows, not supplemented with protein concentrates, are ingesting urine, professionals should suspect a nitrogen deficiency in the diet. The diagnosis can be confirmed if urophagia stops after 15 to 21 days of supplying 20 to 40g of urea/100kg of body weight. Differential diagnoses of Na and Co deficiencies should be considered in episodes of urophagia.

Source: Arquivo Brasileiro de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia

DOI: 10.1590/1678-4162-13450

Authors: P. Malafaia, A. Mendes

Institution: Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro

Language: English

Topic: Ruminant Nutrition and Digestive Physiology

Subfield: Agronomy and Crop Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $800