C.J. Marshall, M.R. Beck & P. Gregorini, Lincoln University
In this trial undertaken at Ashley Dene Research and Development Station, evaluation of the milk urea nitrogen parameter was selected as a measurement of urea concentration in milk and as a heritable trait.
Hypothesis
- Low MUN animals reduced urinary urea N
- Low MUN animals increase nutrient use efficiency
- There is an interaction between Diet and Milk Urea Nitrogen Breeding Value (MUNBV)
Results demonstrated:
- Urinary N increases with MUN
- As MUNBV increases, so does concentration of N in urine
The researchers were unsure as to the correlations presented, but hypothesised the results may be linked to improved efficiency of the rumen microbiome and / or differences in metabolic pathways.
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