Effect of Monosodium Glutamate on Blood Ketones in Sheep

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Experiments were conducted with sheep to evaluate the influence of monosodium glutamate (MSG) on blood ketone levels. The infusion of 0.5 mole of butyric acid per 45.4 kg of body weight into the rumen produced significant increases (P < 0.05) in blood ketone levels which were reduced by the administration of MSG. A dose response was obtained as the levels of MSG increased. Significant (P < 0.05) reductions in blood ketones occurred at MSG levels starting at 0.6 mole/45.4 kg of body weight. MSG also reduced blood ketones when given as an intravenous injection or when fed in the diet. MSG acted faster than propylene glycol in reducing blood ketones when the comparison was made either on an equal weight or an equal mole basis. The blood glucose response was triphasic when butyric acid was infused into the rumen. This triphasic response was not changed by administering MSG with the butyric acid. MSG, given alone, increased blood glucose indicating that it is glucogenic in the ruminant animal.