Serum and urine analyte comparison between llamas and alpacas fed three forages
Journal Title: Scientific Journal of Animal Science - Year 2014, Vol 3, Issue 11
Abstract
Serum and urine analytes were measured in 4 healthy adult llama and alpaca geldings housed in metabolism crates and fed three diets consisting of alfalfa (AH), barley (BH) or grass (GH) hay and water ad libitum. This comparative study was conducted to determine if differences exist in serum metabolites and urinary indices in llamas and alpacas consuming the same forages of differing protein and carbohydrate quality. Daily feed intake was determined and concurrent serum and urine samples were obtained at 4-hr intervals on d13 and d14 for analysis of electrolytes, urea N, and creatinine. AH was consumed more than BH or GH by both species, but llamas consumed more forage on both a body weight (BW) and metabolic BW (MBW, kg.75) basis. Serum electrolytes were similarly affected by diet between species, indicating that renal homeostatic mechanisms were functional and analogous in llamas and alpacas. Serum and urine urea N were affected by forage (P<0.05). Urine volume was highest for both camelid species when consuming AH (P<0.05). Mean urine electrolyte excretion only differed by diet. Dissimilarities between these species was evidenced by differences in renal excretion of urea N and differences in urine volume on a MBW (kg.75) basis.
Authors and Affiliations
T. F. Robinson*| Brigham Young University, USA., B. L. Roeder| Brigham Young University, USA.
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP705
- DOI 10.14196/sjas.v3i11.1752
- Views 491
- Downloads 21
Prediction of bodyweight from body measurements in rabbits using principal component analysis
The study aimed atdescribing objectively the interdependence among the biometric traits and topredict body weight from their orthogonal body shape characters using principalcomponent factor analysis. Body weight and te...
Seed dispersal by serrated tortoises (Psammobates Oculiferus) and the effect of their gut passage on seed germination
Some tortoises are frugivores and can disperse seeds away from the parent plant to areas favourable for their establishments through gut passage. We investigated the plant species dispersed by the serrate...
Replacement value of fishmeal by poultry hatchery wastemeal in the diets of pullet growers and layers
Fishmeal is one and possibly the major conventional source of protein in poultry feeds in Nigeria. At present the astronomical rise in the prices of this and other conventional ingredients has put enormous pressure on...
Milk and milk products consumption pattern, preference and purchase behaviour in communal areas of the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa
A study was carried out between June 2014 and May 2015 using a pre-tested structured questionnaire and face to face interviews to characterize the consumption pattern, preference and purchase behaviour of milk and milk p...
Evaluation of egg quality traits among different breeds/strains of chicken locally available in Pakistan
Appreciated for their versatile nutritive value and functionalproperties, eggs are considered as an important item in human diet. Eggs areone of the most common foods available worldwide as they play an important rolei...