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Effects of peroral alanine administration in lactating ewes with decreased availability of glucose

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 March 2007

Kjell Holtenius
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical Nutrition, Box 7036, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, S-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
Paul Holtenius
Affiliation:
Department of Cattle and Sheep Diseases, Box 7019, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, S-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
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Abstract

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The metabolic effects of a phlorizin-induced drainage of glucose were studied in six lactating ewes with or without peroral alanine drenches in a study of crossover design. Phlorizin gave rise to a small, but significant, elevation of plasma β-hydroxybutyrate. The plasma level of alanine decreased by about 30 % due to the phlorizin injections and alanine was negatively correlated to β-hydroxybutyrate. The plasma level of free fatty acids increased due to phlorizin. Plasma insulin and glucose concentrations were not significantly affected by phlorizin while glucagon level showed a small but significant increase. Peroral alanine drenches to phlorizin-treated ewes gave rise to a transitory elevation of alanine in plasma. The plasma level of free fatty acids was about 40 % lower in phlorizin-treated ewes receiving alanine and β-hydroxybutyrate tended to be lower (P < 0.08). We suggest that β-hydroxybutyrate, apart from its function as an oxidative fuel, might play an important role by limiting glucose oxidation and protein degradation in skeletal muscles during periods of negative energy balance in ruminants. Furthermore, it is suggested that alanine supplementation decreases lipolysis and ketogenesis in lactating ewes.

Type
Animal Nutrition
Copyright
Copyright © The Nutrition Society 1997

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