The cycling of and excretion of urea by the kidneys is a vital part of mammalian metabolism. Besides its role as carrier of waste nitrogen, urea also plays a role in the countercurrent exchange system of the nephrons, that allows for re-absorption of water and critical ions from the excreted urine.

Application

Urea is the most important nitrogenous fertiliser in the country because of its high N content (46%N). Besides its use in the crops, it is used as a cattle feed supplement to replace a part of protein requirements. It has also numerous industrial uses notably for production of plastics.