INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BUSINESS, SOCIAL AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

ISSN: 2309-7892, Page: 161-167, Volume 01, Issue 03, April-June 2014

Review Paper
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MILK UREA NITROGEN AND LACTATION
STAGE OF DAIRY COWS

M.A.A. Mahmud1, M.A. Baset2, S.U. Mahfuz1, H. Mehraj3 and AFM Jamal Uddin3*1

M.A.A. Mahmud, M.A. Baset, S.U. Mahfuz, H. Mehraj and AFM Jamal Uddin (2014). Relationship between Milk
Urea Nitrogen and Lactation Stage of Dairy cows. Int. J. Bus., Soc. and Sci. Res. 01(03): 161-167. Retrieve from
http://www.ijbssr.com/currentissueview/14013028
Received Date: 20/03/2014 Acceptance Date: 05/06/2014 Published Date: 21/06/2014

Abstract
The experiment was conducted to investigate milk urea nitrogen (MUN) in relation to lactation
stage of dairy cows. Milk samples, feed samples and necessary data were collected from 30
lactating dairy cows of different lactation stage from Sirajganj district. All cows were crossbreed
in which 10 were at early (1st 45 DIM), 10 were at mid (46-150 DIM) and rest 10 were at late
(>150 DIM) lactation stage. Milk urea nitrogen concentration were 37.0 mg/dl, 38.6 mg/dl and
37.64 mg/dl at 1st 45 DIM, at 46 to 150 DIM and at > 150 DIM of dairy cows respectively. Days
in milk (DIM) did not affect the live weight, BCS, daily feed intake, milk yield also percentage
of milk protein, fat, lactose, SNF and minerals but affected the level of MUN. MUN was used to
evaluate the plane of nutrition of a group of crossbred dairy cows and was significantly
correlated with DIM. MUN level is the highest at mid (46 to 150 DIM) lactation stage.
Key words: MUN, lactation stage and dairy cows
Introduction
Dairying is considered a strong tool to develop a village micro economy of Bangladesh in order to
improve rural livelihoods and to alleviate rural poverty. Milk urea nitrogen (MUN), a fraction of milk
protein that is derived from blood urea nitrogen (BUN), may be one of the useful tools (Peterson et al.,
2004) that may help monitoring of any change required in the feeding and management of a herd. The
MUN has been used as a noninvasive measurement to monitor the animals protein status and the
efficiency of N utilization (Eicher et al., 1999; Jonker et al., 1998). Normal value of BUN in cows is 15
mg/dL (Roseler et al., 1993) and MUN concentration for individual cow ranges from 8 to 25 mg/dL
while optimum concentration for a herd ranges from 12 to 17 mg/dL (Hwang et al., 2000). MUN varied
by stage of lactation was lowest immediately after calving, increased to a maximum between 3 and 6
month of lactation and slowly declined in later lactation (Carlsson et al.; 1995). There was significant
interaction between parity and DIM. The rate of decline in MUN from mid to late lactation was greater in
animals in parity two or greater. Changes in ration nutrient composition that occur parity groups and
different stage of lactation could contribute to the variation observed in MUN. Lowest MUN level during
the first month of lactation (10.14 mg/dl) explained by the low DM intake during this period (Arunvipas
et al., 2003). MUN reached its peak at the fourth month of lactation (11.80 mg/dl) due to the increase in
DM intake and decreased at the end of lactation (10.56 mg/dl) as a result of the reduction in DM and
protein consumption in this stage. A positive but non-linear correlation between milk urea and days in
milk and observed that MUN concentrations were lower in the first 60 days, increased between 60 and
150 and decreased after 150 days in lactation (Godden et al., 2001). Therefore, determination of
optimum level of MUN concentration is worthwhile for economic milk production. Thus, the present
work was undertaken with a view to determine the status of MUN in relation to stage of lactation of
crossbred cows to estimate plane of nutrition of crossbred cows.
Materials and Methods
Study was conducted at Lahiri Mohonpur, near the branch of milk vita, Ullapara Upazilla, Sirajganj
district, Rajshahi, Bangladesh district during the period from June 2012 to October 2012. Thirty
crossbreed dairy cows of different lactation stages were selected from different dairy farms of Lahiri
Mohonpur in which ten cows were in first lactation (first 45 days in milk), ten cows were in mid lactation
(46 to 150 days in milk) and other ten cows were in late lactation stage (>150 days in milk). Milk
samples and feed samples were collected on 1st, 4th and 7th day of the experimental period (7 days). Milk
and feed samples were collected both at morning & evening from those 3 days. Daily milk yield and feed

*Corresponding Author: jamal4@yahoo.com

1
Department of Animal Nutrition, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet, Bangladesh
2
Department of Livestock Production and Management, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet, Bangladesh
3
Department of Horticulture, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh
Mahmud et al. 162

intake were recorded daily for 7 days. Samples were collected in bottle and preserved at -200C then
transported to Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI), Savar, Dhaka for laboratory analysis.
Live weight were measured with the help of following formula
Live weight = (LG2) 300 pound
Body condition score (BCS) was assessed by palpating individual body parts and an average score was
recorded on 5 point scale where 1 was emaciated and 5 was obese (Wildman et al., 1982). The
description of the BCS scoring was as follows:
Body Condition Score 1
I. Rump Area: Deep cavity around tail head. No fatty tissue felt between pins. Pelvic bone easily
felt. Skin is supple.
II. Loin Area: Ends of short ribs sharp to touch. Upper surfaces can be felt easily. Deep depression
in loin.
Body Condition Score 2
I. Rump Area: Shallow cavity lined with fatty tissue at tail head. Some fatty tissue felt under pin
bone. Pelvis is easily felt.
II. Loin Area: Ends of short ribs feel rounded. Upper surface felt with slight pressure. Depression
visible in loin. High-producing, early lactation cows should score 2.
Body Condition Score 3
I. Rump Area: No visible cavity around tail head. Fatty tissue is easily felt over whole rump. Skin
appears smooth. Pelvis is felt with slight pressure.
II. Loin Area: Ends of short ribs can be felt with pressure. There is a thick layer of tissue on top.
There is only a slight depression in the loin.
Body Condition Score 4
I. Rump Area: Folds of fatty tissue are visible around tail head. Patches of fat are present around
the pin bones. Pelvis is felt only with firm pressure.
II. Loin Area: Short ribs cannot be felt even with firm pressure. No depression is visible in loin
between backbone and hip bone.
Body Condition Score 5
I. Rump Area: Tail head is buried in fatty tissue. Skin is distended. No part of pelvis can be felt
even with firm pressure.
II. Loin Area: Folds of fatty tissue over short ribs. Bone structures cannot be felt. These cows are
good candidates for fat cow syndrome.
Measurement of feed intake and chemical composition: Roughage and concentrate feeds were supplied 2
times daily by respective farmers to selected cows in morning and evening. Concentrate feeds were given
before and roughage feeds after each milking. For measuring feed intake, rice straw and green grasses
were weighed every day before supplying to the cow; next morning left over of straw and green grasses
were weighed. Feed intake and refusals were recorded and analyzed for proximate component following
the method AOAC (2004). Energy values were also adopted from Kearl (1982) and Singh & Oosting
(1993).
Milk yield and milk composition: The daily milk yield of individual cow was recorded and milk samples
were collected in 1st, 4th and 7th day within a week. Samples were preserved at refrigerator (-20oC) and
analysis of fat, protein, lactose, SNF and minerals was done in Dairy Science Laboratory of Animal
production Research Division (APRD), BLRI, Savar, Dhaka using a Milk Analyzer.
Milk Urea Nitrogen (MUN) determination: Samples were analyzed for MUN content using colorimetric
di-methyl amino benzaldehyde (DMAB) method (Bector et al.; 1998).
Sample preparation: Milk samples are warmed at room temperature (300 C) and mixed well. Then 10 ml
milk is deproteinised with 12% TCA solution (10ml), allowed to stand for one hour and filtered through
a Whatman Paper NO. 1 and centrifuged the filtrate at 3000 rpm for 30 minutes. Then clear supernatant
(2ml) was mixed with 2ml of DMAB reagent (1.6 g DMAB + 90ml ethanol + 10ml concentrate HCL).
Absorbance was taken at 425 nm and recorded.
All the data obtained from the experimental period were subjected to ANOVA following the principles
of CRD using computer package GENSTAT (Lawes Agricultural Trust, 1997) and LSD differentiated
treatment means.

http://www.ijbssr.com
Milk Urea Nitrogen and Lactation Stage Relationship 163

Results and Discussion

Feeding systems of dairy cows of study area: Available feeding systems of dairy cows in Sirajganj region
are shown in Table 1. It was appeared that feeding systems of dairy cows were based on rice straw, small
quantity of green grasses from various sources such as oat grass, napier grass, khesari grass with small
supplementation of concentrates. The commonly used concentrate ingredients were wheat bran, sesame
oil cake, rice bran, molasses, lentil bran, maize powder, matikali bran and anchor bran but, the
proportionate use of these ingredients varies from farm to farm. The dairy cattle were kept under semi-
intensive condition. They were allowed grazing on communal land in both seasons and stall fed in the
remaining period of the day. When dairy cattle were kept in stall, feeds were supplied average 2.0 times
in a day.
Chemical composition of feed stuffs: The chemical analysis indicated that DM, CF and CP contents of
rice straw were 87.8%, 47.1% and 4.3% respectively. On the other hand, DM contents of oat, kheshari,
napier grasses and weeds from paddy field ranged from 18.1% to 19.3% (Table 2.). CF contents ranged
from 23.6 to 40.0%. CP content of oat and khesari grass were almost similar (10.1 and 10.0 %) which
was almost double than that of straw (4.3%). DM content of the concentrate feed ingredients were close
to each other ranged from 86.0 to 92.0% except those of matikali bran (68.3%) and molasses (65.1%).
The CP content of concentrate feed ingredients had a wide range of variation (5.2 to 34.3%). The gram
bran contained the lowest amount of CP (5.2%) and Mustard oil cake the highest (34.3%) (Table 2).
Effect of days in milk (DIM) on milk urea nitrogen: The effect of days in milk on live weight body
condition score (BCS) and feed intake of dairy cows is presented in the Table 3. Result indicates that
DIM affect the live weight and BCS of cows. Live weight and BCS were 344.7 kg and 3.2, respectively
at first 45 DIM and 324.6 kg and 3.0, respectively at 46-150 DIM and 340.5 kg and 3.1 respectively at
>150 DIM where both live weight and BCS were not significant. Days in milk also affect the daily feed
intake in cows. The daily intake of DM was 9.1 kg, 8.8 kg and 8.7 kg at first 45 DIM, 46-150 DIM and
>150 DIM respectively which were not significant. Daily ME intake of cows at first 45 DIM of was 73.9
MJ, at 46-150 DIM was 71.2 MJ and at >150 DIM was 72.9 MJ which were not significant. Daily intake
of CP was 855.0 gm, 865.0 gm and 862.0 gm at first 45 DIM, 46-150 DIM and >150 DIM respectively
which was not significant. Daily intake of CF and ash was 3.0 kg and 1.0 kg, respectively at first 45 DIM
2.9 kg and 0.9 kg respectively at 46-150 DIM and 2.9 kg and 0.9 kg respectively at >150 DIM which was
not significant. The effect of DIM on milk production, milk composition and MUN of dairy cows are
presented in the Table 4, 5 and 6. DIM did not affect milk yield and the percentage of milk protein, fat,
lactose, SNF and mineral but affected the level of MUN. The daily milk yield of cows were 9.3 lit at first
45 DIM, 9.0 lit at 46-150 DIM and 7.7 lit at >150 DIM. The average percentage of fat, protein, lactose,
SNF and mineral were 3.7, 3.7, 5.4, 10.2 and 0.6 respectively at first 45 DIM and 3.7, 3.8, 5.6, 10.1, 0.6
respectively at 46-150 DIM and 3.9, 3.8, 5.5, 10.2 and 0.6 respectively at >150 DIM which were not
significant. The MUN was 36.5 mg/dl, 38.2 mg/dl and 37.3 mg/dl at first 45 DIM at 46 to 150 DIM and
> 150 DIM respectively at morning milk which were found significant. At evening milk, the MUN was
37.4 mg/dl, 39.0 mg/dl and 38.0 mg/dl at first 45 DIM at 46 to 150 DIM and > 150 DIM respectively
which were found significant. On average milk, the MUN was 37.0 mg/dl, 38.6 mg/dl and 37.7 mg/dl at
first 45 DIM at 46 to 150 DIM and >150 DIM respectively which were found significant.
Table 1. Available feeding systems of dairy cows in different seasons
Available feeding systems Feeding Feeding frequency
Seasons
Roughages Concentrates systems (avg. no./d)
Rice straw, Oat Wheat bran, sesame oil cake, rice
Grazing
grass, khesari, bran, molasses, lentil bran, maize
Dry and stall 2.0
grass, Napier powder, matikali bran, anchor bran
fed
grass and common salt.
Wheat bran, sesame oil cake, rice
Rice straw, Pearl bran, molasses, lentil bran, maize
Wet Stall fed 2.0
Millet powder, matikali bran, anchor bran
and common salt.
Some studies reported that MUN concentration lower in first lactation heifers than in older cows and
urea level vary considerably by the stage of lactation (Godden et al., 2000). Carlsson et al. (1995)
reported that MUN concentration were the lowest immediately after calving, increased to a maximum
during 3 to 6 month of lactation than slowly decline in the later lactation again. Godden et al. (2001)
reported that mean DIM were not related with herd MUN, possibly because important underlying
nutritional factors were controlled. This suggests that the association between stage of lactation and urea

http://www.ijbssr.com
Mahmud et al. 164

concentration is explained by underlying nutritional management (Schepers and Meijer, 1998).

Arunvipas et al. (2003) MUN stated that lowest in the first month of lactation but increased rapidly
during the first two months followed by a slower increase over the next two months. Faust et al. (1997)
found no variation by stage of lactation. MU has been reported to be lower in first lactation cows than
second or later lactation animals in several studies (Arunvipas et al., 2003).
Relationship between DIM and MUN: The relationship between MUN and DIM are presented in Fig.
1. DIM is significantly correlated with MUN. DIM is not affected by milk yield and the percentage of
milk protein, fat, lactose, SNF and mineral but affected by the level of MUN. Konjacic et al. (2010)
explained that there was a correlation between MUN and lactation stage and found MUN was lowest in
1st lactation (27.3 mg/dl) in Holstein cows. The highest MUN concentration was recorded during mid-
lactation stage (100-200 days), while the lowest MUN concentration was found during the late lactation
stage (>200 days). MUN concentration was higher during period from 60 to 180 DIM compared to all
other DIM categories (Godden et al., 2001). Jilek et al. (2006) reported the effect of lactation phase on
MU content was found to be one of the most important factors (P < 0.0001). The lowest level of MU
concentration in the first month of lactation was estimated to be (5.19 0.1 mmol/l). In the following
two months, the content of MU relatively rapidly increased and maximum concentration was achieved in
the 5th month of lactation. These results fully correspond to those of Arunvipas et al. (2003). These
authors observed an increase of MU concentration during the first two months of lactation with the peak
in the fourth month of lactation.
Table 2. Chemical composition of feed stuffs
Feed DM % of % of DM ME (MJ/kg DM)
ingredients fresh weight CP CF OM Ash
Roughages
Rice straw 87.8 4.3 47.1 84.8 15.2 6.1
Oat grass 19.3 10.2 34.5 91.8 8.3 8.7
Kheshari grass 18.4 10.0 40.0 93.6 6.1 7.5
Napier grass 19.1 7.0 35.3 87.8 12.5 7.1
Weeds from paddy field 18.1 15.6 23.6 81.9 18.1 7.7
Concentrates
Rice bran 91.3 9.1 42.3 84.3 15.2 8.0
Wheat bran 90.3 15.1 11.9 93.0 5.1 10.3
Maize bran 86.0 8.5 7.6 93.4 6.9 13.3
Broken Rice 88.0 8.9 5.3 96.1 3.7 13.1
Mustard oil cake 90.0 34.3 26.1 82.3 11.1 13.1
Sesame cake 92.0 30.9 27.2 84.7 15.3 13.9
Molasses 65.1 5.7 - 84.1 16.0 15.2
Matikali bran 68.3 13.5 50.0 91.2 8.1 9.6
Anchor bran 90.0 13.9 27.5 95.3 5.1 10.6
Lentil bran 90.4 13.7 18.4 90.8 9.3 9.3
Gram bran 90.3 5.2 47.0 96.5 4.0 8.6

Table 3. Effect of days in milk (DIM) on live weight, body condition score (BCS) and feed and nutrient
intake of crossbred dairy cows
LSD and level of
Parameters First 45 DIM 46-150 DIM >150 DIM
significance
Live weight (kg) 344.7 324.6 340.5 36.6NS
BCS 3.2 3.0 3.1 0.6NS
Feed intake
DM (kg/day) 9.1 8.8 8.7 0.6NS
ME MJ/day 73.9 71.2 72.9 2.8NS
CP g/day 855.0 865.0 86 18.7NS
CF kg/day 3.0 2.9 2.9 0.1NS
Ash kg/day 1.0 0.9 0.9 0.1NS
NS = Not Significant

http://www.ijbssr.com
Milk Urea Nitrogen and Lactation Stage Relationship 165

Table 4. Effect of days in milk (DIM) on milk yield, milk composition and MUN of dairy cows (at
Morning milk)

LSD and level of

Parameters First 45 DIM 46-150 DIM >150 DIM
significance
Live weight (kg) 344.7 324.6 340.5 36.6NS
BCS 3.2 3.0 3.1 0.6NS
Milk yield (lit/d) 5.3 5.4 4.7 1.1NS
Milk composition
Fat% 3.7 3.8 3.9 0.2NS
Protein % 3.7 3.8 3.8 0.2NS
Lactose % 5.4 5.6 5.5 0.2NS
SNF%, 10.2 10.1 10.2 0.2NS
Minerals% 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.03NS
MUN mg/dl 36.5 38.2 37.3 0.01**
NS= Not Significant, **Significant at the 0.01 level
High-producing dairy cows showed higher milk urea concentrations but several environmental factors
may contribute to reduce this important parameter of diet utilization efficiency. First-lactation cows
showed higher MUN values than those of second-lactation and older cows (Jonker et al., 1998). Lower
MUN values in first-lactation cows and ascribe this to the faster metabolism of these animals and
consequently greater amino acid utilization efficiency and lower conversion to urea (Oltner et al., 1985;
Ferguson, 1999; Arunvipas et al., 2003). This can also be explained simply by the lower milk production
of first-lactation cows. MUN concentrations peaked between 151 and 180 days in milk (16.35 mg/dl),
whereas milk production peaked around 45-60 days (NRC, 2001). Carlsson et al. (1995) and Rajala-
Schultz & Saville (2003) reported similar patterns. The reason MUN had its peak around the middle of
the lactation period is probably due to the higher consumption of dry matter and consequently of crude
protein during this stage of lactation.
Table 5. Effect of days in milk (DIM) on milk yield, milk composition and MUN of dairy cows (at
Evening milk)
LSD and level of
Parameters First 45 DIM 46-150 DIM >150 DIM
significance
Live weight (kg) 344.7 324.6 340.5 36.6NS
BCS 3.2 3.0 3.1 0.6NS
Milk yield (lit/d) 4.0 3.6 3.0 0.8NS
Milk Composition
Fat% 3.7 3.9 4.0 0.2NS
Protein % 3.7 3.8 3.8 0.2NS
Lactose % 5.4 5.5 5.5 0.2NS
SNF%, 10.2 10.1 10.2 0.2NS
Minerals% 0.7 0.6 0.6 0.02NS
MUN mg/dl 37.4 39.0 38.0 0.01**
NS= Not Significant, **Significant at the 0.01 level
Table 6. Effect of days in milk (DIM) on milk yield, milk composition and MUN of dairy cows (on
average)
LSD and level of
Parameters First 45 DIM 46-150 DIM >150 DIM
significance
Live weight (kg) 344.7 324.6 340.5 36.6NS
BCS 3.2 3.0 3.1 0.6NS
Milk yield (lit/d) 9.3 9.0 7.7 1.9NS
Milk Composition
Fat% 3.7 3.9 3.9 0.2NS
Protein% 3.7 3.8 3.8 0.2NS
Lactose% 5.4 5.6 5.5 0.2NS
SNF% 10.2 10.1 10.2 0.2NS
Minerals% 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.03NS
MUN mg/dl 37.0 38.6 37.6 0.01**
NS= Not Significant, **Significant at the 0.01 level

http://www.ijbssr.com
Mahmud et al. 166

40.0

38.0
MUN, mg/dl.

36.0

Morning milk Evening milk Average milk

34.0
1st 45 46-150 >150
DIM
Fig. 1. Relationship between DIM and MUN

Conclusion
The percentage of milk protein, lactose, fat, SNF and minerals were influenced by supplied feed. Days in
milk (DIM) did not affect the live weight, BCS, daily feed intake, milk yield and the percentage of milk
protein, fat, lactose, SNF and mineral but affected the level of MUN. Daily DMI (Dry matter intake). It
may be concluded that milk urea nitrogen is significantly correlated with days in milk. MUN level is the
highest at mid-lactation stage (46 to 150 DIM) among the early (first 45 DIM) and late lactation stage
(46 to 150 DIM).
References
AOAC. 2004. Official Methods of Analysis, Centenial Edition. Association of Official Analytical
Chemist, Washington DC.
Arunvipas P., I. R. Dohoo, J. A. Vanleeuwen and G.P. Keefe. 2003. Factors on milk urea nitrogen
levels in dairy cows in Prince Edward Island, Canada. Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 59:83-
93.
Bector, B. S., Moti Ram and O. P. Singhal. 1998. Rapid platform test for the detection/determination of
added urea in milk. Indian Dairyman, 50:59-62.
Carlsson, B.J., J. Bergstrom, and B. pehrson. 1995. Variations with breed, age, season, vield, stage of
lactation, and breed in the concentration of urea in bulk milk and individual cows milk. Acta
Veterinaria Scandinavica. 36:245-254.
Eicher, R.E., E. Bouchard and M. Bigras-Poulin. 1999. Factors affecting milk urea nitrogen and protein
concentrations in Quebec dairy cows. Preventive Veterinary Medicine. 39:53-63.
Faust, M. A., L. H. Kilmer, and R. Funk. 1997. Effects of laboratories for milk urea nitrogen and other
milk components. Journal of Dairy Science 80(Suppl. 1):206. (Abstr.)
Ferguson, J. D., N. Thomsen, D. Slesser, and D. Burris. 1997. Pennsylvania DHIA milk urea testing.
Journal of Dairy Science. 80(Suppl. 1):161.(Abstr.)
Godden, S.M., K.D. Lissemore, D.F. Kelton, K.E. Leslie, J.S. Walton and J.H. Lumsden. 2001.
Relationships between milk urea concentrations and nutritional management, production, and
economic variables in Ontario Dairy Herds Journal of Dairy Science Sci.84:1128-1139.

http://www.ijbssr.com
Milk Urea Nitrogen and Lactation Stage Relationship 167

Godden, S.M.,K.D. Lissemore, D.F. Kelton, K. E. Leslie, J.S. Walton, And J.H. Lumsden. 2000. Factors
associated with milk urea concentrations in Ontario dairy cows. Journal of Dairy Science
83:2672.
Hwang, S. Y., L. Mei-Ju and W. C. peter. 2000. Monitoring nutritional status of dairy cows in Taiwan
using milk protein and milk urea nitrogen. Asian-Australian Journal of Animal Science 13:
1667-1673.
Jilek, F., Rehak. D., Volek. J. 2006. Effect of herd, parity, stage of lactation and milk yield on urea
concentration in milk. Czech Journal of Animal Science. 51(12): 510-517.
Jonker, J.S., R. A. kohn and R. A. Erdman. 1998. Using milk urea nitrogen excretion and utilization
efficiency in lactating dairy cows. Journal of Dairy Science. 81: 2681-2692.
Kearl, L. 1982. Nutrient Requirements of Ruminant in Developing Countries. Utah State Univ. Logam,
USA.
Konjacic, M., N. Kelava, Z. Ivkic. 2010. Non-nutritional factors of milk urea concentration in Holstein
cows from large dairy farms in Croatia. Mljekarstvo 60 (3): 166-174 .
Lawes Agricultural Trust. 1997. A General Statistical Programme. Genstat 5. 5th Edn. (Beta),
Rothamsted Exptl. Stat., Harpenden, Hertfordshire, UK.
NRC (National Research Council). 1989. Nutrient requirements of dairy cattle. 6th Revised Edition.
National Academy press, Washington, DC.
Oltner, R., M. Emanuelson, and H. Wiktorsson. 1985. Urea concentrations in milk in relation to milk
yield, live weight, lactation number and amount and composition of feed given to dairy cows.
Livestock Production Science.12:4757.
Peterson, A. B., K. R. French, E. Russek-Cohen and R. A. kohn. 2004. Comparison of analytical
methods and the influence of milk components of milk urea nitrogen recovery. Journal of Dairy
Science. 87: 1747-1750.
Rajala- Schultz and W.J.A. Saville. 2003. Sources of variation in milk urea nitrogen in Ohio dairy Herds.
Journal of Dairy Science. 86(5): 1653-1661.
Roseler, D.K.,J.D. Ferguson, C.J. Sniffen, J. Herrema. 1993. Dietary protein degradability effects on
plasma and milk urea nitrogen and milk non-protein nitrogen in Holstein Cows. Journal of
Dairy Science. 76: 525-534.
Schepers, A. J. and R.G. M. Meijer. 1998. Evaluation of the utilization of dietary nitrogen by dairy cows
based on urea concentration in milk. Journal of Dairy Science. 81: 579-584.
Singh, G. P. and S. J. Oosting. 1993. Nutritive value of straw. In: K Singh, JB Schiere (Eds.) Feeding of
ruminants on fibrous crop residues. Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi, India.
pp. 141-146.
Wildman, E.E., G.M. Jones, P.E. Wagner, and R.L. Bowman. 1982. A dairy cow body condition scoring
system and its relationship to selected production characteristics. J. Dairy Sci., 65:495-501

http://www.ijbssr.com