Effect of urea coating by chitosan on the dynamics of ammonia concentration and rumen fermentation in vitro

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of coating urea by chitosan at graded levels on ammonia concentration and rumen fermentation in vitro. This study used Factorial Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) to test ammonia parameter and Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) for pH, microbial protein synthesis, dry matter and organic matter digestibility, and Volatile Fatty Acid (VFA). The treatments tested were: P0 = addition non coating urea 1%; P1 = coating urea by chitosan 1%; P2 = coating urea by chitosan 2%; P3 = coating urea by chitosan 3%. The data obtained were analysed by using ANOVA and continued with Tukey HSD test with SPSS version 25. The results of this study showed that the coating of urea chitosan had no significant effect on pH, dry matter and organic matter digestibility, microbial protein synthesis, and amonia concentration in the rumen. However, it significantly reduced (P <0.05) total VFA concentration. It can be concluded that the application of urea coating by chitosan does not affect on the degradation of urea in the rumen.

Use of irradiated chitosan as a matrix for slow-release urea and in vitro fermentation characteristics of slow-release urea supplementation in ruminant rations

“…This may be because the ration contains an energy source. Similar findings were reported by De Queiroz Vieira et al [38] and Nayohan et al [34]. The pH level in the rumen is crucial for optimizing performance and stability by influencing the microbial population, rumen fermentation products, and regular physiological activity [32].…”

“…Because these two substances are closely related, particularly for single SRU and urea samples, NUE and ammonia evaporation from urea are enhanced by the chitosan contained in SRU [ 26 ]. Urea degradation in the rumen can be minimized by coating the material with a chitosan-based biopolymer [ 34 ]. In addition, gamma irradiation improves chitosan effectiveness.…”

“…[ 38 ] and Nayohan et al . [ 34 ]. The pH level in the rumen is crucial for optimizing performance and stability by influencing the microbial population, rumen fermentation products, and regular physiological activity [ 32 ].…”

“…Urea supplementation improves ammonia production, crude protein digestibility, N intake, and daily gain in sheep [ 31 ]. Ammonia concentration in the rumen is mostly affected by factors such as protein content in the rations, ruminal pH, and protein solubility of feed ingredients [ 34 ]. However, there was no statistically significant effect of SRU on ammonia levels in rice straw and alfalfa-based forage.…”

A new feed additive composed of urea and soluble carbohydrate coated with wax for controlled release in ruminal fluid

“…This may occur because the rate of solubilization dependent of the material and method used to coat this urea. For example, a study 5 found that coating of urea chitosan did not bring significant effect on pH, dry matter and organic matter digestibility, microbial protein synthesis, and amonia concentration in the rumen. On the other hand, some authors 6 cite that the extrusion of urea with corn, in addition to controlling the release of nitrogen, improves the use of urea due to a better synchronization during the degradation of these ingredients.…”