Urea molasses block

Urea Molasses Block

By:M.Awais Zahoor

CONTENTS

CompositionMakingCharacteristics Of Good UMBPrecautions While Feeding UMB

GENERAL

Blocks are a convenient way to Make & Store Molasses & Urea & also feed to animalsThey can easily be made & used in villagesA person may make & sell blocks to farmers as a Source Of Income

BASIC COMPONENTS

Molasses 30-50 %Urea 5-10 %Rice/Wheat/Maize Bran 15-25 %Salt 2-3 %Lime or Cement 5-7 %DCP 2-4 %Minerals 1-2 %

INGREDIENTS

MolassesUsed to give a sweet taste to blockProvides energy & other minerals i.e. sulphurDon’t exceed 40-50% otherwise block will break too easily & take too long to dry

UreaLimited to 10% to avoid poisoningImproves digestibility & provides protein

Cont…..

Cereal BranProvides proteinHolds the block together

SaltSupply minerals i.e Na,ClControl the rate of consumptionAccelerates hardening of block

Cont…..Cement

Makes the block hard5-7% is sufficient

Higher levels make the block too hardProvides CaClay can be mixed with it to improve hardness & reduce drying timeIf lime is used it should be finely ground

IMPORTANCE

Brings +ive changes in Rumen FermentationIncreases Feed IntakeIncreases DM DigestibiltyAppropriate Supplement with poor quality roughagesIncreases Milk YieldImproves Reproductive Efficiency

Cont…..

Stimulates Growth RatesPrevents from various Diseases e.g. Pica,Heamoglobinurea etc

MAKING OF UMB

The manufacturing can be divided into 5 stages1) Preparation Of Feed Ingredients2) Mixing3) Molding4) Cutting5) Drying

Cont…..

Preparation Of Feed IngredientsThe amount of the different ingredients depends on the Size of the block to be manufactured & the Formula to be used

Cont…..Mixing

1) Weigh the amount of ingredients based on the formula of the block

2) Add urea (pressed) to the molasses while continuously mixing Urea & molasses are stirred for about 20 minutes Never add water to molasses

3) Mix the salt with cement4) Make the cement into a paste with water prior to adding to the

rest of the ingredients5) Add bran & mix thoroughly

Cont…..

Mixing Urea,Molasses & Bran

Cont…..

MoldingAfter mixing,place the mixture into moldsAny local container,such as Tin Cans or Small Buckets can be used as a moldUsing a plastic sheet to line the molds will make block removal from the mold easier

Cont…..

Different Types Of Molds

Wooden Mold

PVC Tube Mold

Metal Sheet Mold

Cont…..

Multi Molding

Cont…..

Molding Urea Molasses Blocks

Molding Using Wooden Bars

Molding Using Small Tin Cans

Removing Molded Blocks

For Drying

Cont…..Step 1

Steps For Molding UMB Using Metal Sheet Mold

Filling

Cont…..Step 2

Compacting


Cont…..


Opening

Step 3

Cont…..


Step 4

Removing

Cont…..


Step 5

Ready For Drying

Cont…..

CuttingCutting is necessary when using large moldsCutting is done with a flat spadeSpade should be wetted in a bucket between each cut to avoid mixture from sticking to it

Cont…..

Drying & StorageRemove the blocks from the molds after 24 hours and place on racks to dryLeave the blocks to dry for at least 2-3 days depending upon the weather conditionAfter 24-72 hours,the blocks are dry enough to be transported for storageBlocks must not be exposed to direct sunlight in case of UMMB

Cont…..

Drying Urea Molasses Blocks

CHARACTERISTICS OF GOOD UMB

Ingredients are Well Distributed throughout the blockIt does not have Lumps Of Urea & LimeIt is Hard Enough not to be squashed between our fingersIt should be Resistant Enough not to break when a person steps on itOur hands should feel the Sticky molasses when we hold the block

PRECAUTIONS WHILE FEEDING UMB

Never form the Main DietFed only as a SupplementFeed to Ruminants Only Don’t feed to monogastrics i.e. horses,donkeys,pigs Don’t feed to young ruminants less than 6 months of age

Never give to an animal with Empty StomachSupply block to an animal After FeedingGradually offers to the animalNever supply in Ground Form or Dissolved in waterSupply sufficient Amount Of Water

UMB CONSUMPTION

Large Ruminants = 700g/daySmall Ruminants = 100g/day

Licking 65%Biting 35%Fed In Pieces 17%Started Licking On Day 1 60%Started Licking On Day 7 30%Never Licked 10%Self Licking 58%Induced Licking 25%

Field Experience

…THANKS…

Food

Urea molasses block