Microbial nitrogen production, nitrogen balance and excretion of urinary purine derivatives in Corriedale ewes under water deprivation

What is it about?

The need for the development of non-invasive techniques in animal testing has favored the use of the excretion of purine derivatives (PD) in the urine for the determination of microbial protein production. Recent studies have shown that water restriction after feeding for less than 3 hrs improved nutrient digestibility of feed in ewes during heat stress; while had no influence on feed intake and wool cortisol as a marker of chronic stress (Ghassemi Nejad et al., 2014a,b). However, the effect of water restriction following feeding on microbial N production and excretion of urinary PDs in ewes has not been yet investigated.

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Why is it important?

The research is emphasizing on the investigation of urinary purine derivatives and nitrogen balance in sheep exposed to water restriction following feeding. The results of this study may be useful to manage sheep in order to maximize the microbial protein synthesis.

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