Studies on urea metabolism in swamp buffaloes given exogenous urea infusion

Abstract

Five female swamp buffaloes, weighing between 200-290 Kg, were used in the experiment. The experiment was conducted into two series. The first series was performed as control. In The second series, the animal was given an exogenous urea infusion. The turnover of plasma and quantitative aspect of urea recycle were investigated in both series using [supscript 14] C-urea. The results of experiments showed that the concentration of plasma urea increased significantly during exogenous urea infusion. Urea space increased from 85 L to 92 L. Turnover rate of urea decreased while the biological half life time showed no difference exogenous urea in fusion. The urea recycled into the rumen tended to decrease exogenous urea infusion. Renal urea excretion increased while the urine flow rate and electrolyte excretion were not affected during period of urea infusion. It can be concluded that the ability of the buffalo to retain endogenous urea is influenced simultaneously by several factors and renal urea retention can not be interpreted as the effect of a single parameter.