As livestock farmers across Bangladesh look for efficient ways to fatten cattle ahead of Eid-ul-Adha and improve dairy productivity year-round, an old but underutilized feed technology is gaining renewed attention: Urea Molasses Straw (UMS) . This simple, low-cost feed supplement can transform dry straw into a nutrient-rich ration, significantly improving animal growth and production.
Why UMS Matters
In Bangladesh, dry straw is the most widely available roughage, especially during the dry season. However, straw alone is deficient in protein, carbohydrates, and minerals—feeding only straw often leads to weight loss and poor health.
UMS solves this problem by combining:
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Urea – a non-protein nitrogen source that acts as a cheap protein substitute (containing the equivalent of 245% crude protein).
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Molasses (Chitagur) – a source of energy (carbohydrates) and minerals that also improves palatability.
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Straw – the base fibrous feed.
When mixed in the right proportions, this combination enhances digestibility, increases feed intake, and promotes rapid weight gain.
Proven Returns
Research indicates that for every 1 Taka spent on UMS, farmers can gain 5–7 Taka worth of meat or milk production. The cost of preparing UMS (excluding the straw) ranges from only 0.65 to 0.75 Taka per kilogram, making it one of the most profitable interventions for small-scale farmers.
How to Prepare UMS
Ingredients & Equipment Needed:
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Polythene sheet (6 ft × 12 ft)
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Dry straw
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Bucket
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Urea
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Molasses
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Weighing scale
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Knife (for chopping straw)
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Water
Step-by-Step Preparation:
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Measure the ingredients accurately. For every 100 kg of UMS:
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82 kg straw
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15 kg molasses
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3 kg urea
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Example for 10 kg straw: add 5 liters of water, 2.5 kg molasses, and 300 g urea.
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Prepare the liquid mixture. Dissolve molasses and urea in clean water inside a bucket.
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Mix thoroughly. Spread the straw evenly on a polythene sheet or clean floor. Sprinkle the liquid mixture over the straw while turning the straw repeatedly to ensure uniform absorption.
The UMS is ready to feed immediately after preparation. If storing for 2–3 days, cover with polythene to preserve quality.
Feeding Guidelines
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Start slowly: Introduce UMS gradually to allow animals to adapt. Too much urea at once can cause toxicity.
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Free access: Animals can be fed UMS according to their appetite, but always ensure the urea content does not exceed safe limits.
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Avoid feeding UMS to:
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Calves under six months of age.
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Sick animals.
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Animals receiving sulfur-based medication (wait 15–20 days after treatment).
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Pregnant cows in late gestation.
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Animals showing signs of allergy or difficulty consuming UMS.
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Important: Do not offer water immediately after feeding UMS, as this may increase the risk of urea toxicity.
Benefits of UMS Feeding
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Increased meat production: Rapid fattening of growing and adult cattle.
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Higher milk yield: Dairy cows fed UMS can produce approximately 1 liter more milk per day, while the amount of concentrate feed can be reduced by 1.5 kg per day.
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Palatability: The sweetness of molasses encourages animals to eat more straw.
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Cost-effective: Maximizes use of locally available materials, reducing feeding costs.
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Versatile: Suitable for calves, growing cattle, dairy cows, buffalo, and even pregnant animals (with caution in late pregnancy).
Precautions
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Maintain correct ratios of urea, molasses, straw, and water. Excessive urea can lead to poisoning.
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Do not offer water immediately after UMS consumption.
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Discontinue use if any animal shows signs of distress or allergy.
Conclusion
Urea Molasses Straw offers a scientifically proven, affordable, and accessible technology for Bangladeshi livestock farmers. By adopting UMS, farmers can significantly improve the health and productivity of their animals, reduce feeding costs, and increase profitability—making it a valuable tool for both smallholders and commercial farms ahead of Eid-ul-Adha and throughout the year.
Authored by: Abdur Razzaq Raju & Sadika Tamanna, Final Year, DVM, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HABIPROB).
