Which synthetic source of nitrogen is commonly used in ruminant animal feed?

Urea is a widely used synthetic nitrogen source in ruminant animal feed due to its high nitrogen content and cost-effectiveness. Ruminants, such as cattle and sheep, have a unique digestive system that allows them to utilize non-protein nitrogen sources effectively. Urea is converted by rumen microbes into ammonia, which can then be utilized to synthesize amino acids, a crucial component of protein that ruminants need for growth and production.

Other options, while they may contain nitrogen, are not specifically tailored or commonly used in ruminant feed. For instance, ammonium nitrate is more typically used in agricultural fertilizers rather than as a direct feed supplement. Potassium nitrate does provide nitrogen, but it is primarily used for potassium supply and is not as efficient or effective for ruminant nutrition. Calcium ammonium nitrate, like ammonium nitrate, is primarily a fertilizer and less commonly utilized in the formulation of ruminant diets. Thus, urea stands out as the most suitable synthetic nitrogen source for ruminant feeding.