Use Of Protein Blocks Containing Urea For Minimally Managed Broodmares

The study compared the effects of feeding 20% protein blocks containing 2.13% urea and grass hay under minimal management to 13% protein grain mix and alfalfa hay under optimal management on pregnant mares. It found that protein blocks with urea were as effective as hand-fed protein supplements in confinement. Mares fed protein blocks had significantly larger hair follicle bulb widths and higher albumin to globulin ratios in their blood compared to control mares. There were no significant differences in blood parameters of foals, except for higher blood urea nitrogen levels in foals from control mares.