Effect of Feeding Urea on Water Metabolism in Dry and Lactating Zebu Cattle and Buffaloes

The specific role of water in the processes of digestion of food, elimination of undigested residues, excretion of waste products of metabolism and dissipation of body heat in farm animals have been discussed at large in various reports. Both environmental temperature and plane of nutrition govern water intake as well as the ratio of water : dry matter intakes. The reports have also revealed that the dietary urea affect the water requirement of animals. The effect of water on regulating heat mechanism in Zebu, European and crossbred cattle have also been reported. However, much information is not available on the comparative aspects in these two species, i.e., zebu cattle and buffaloes.