Inulin Renal Clearance in Dairy Cattle

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Abstract
A practical method for determining inulin renal clearance (the glomerular filtration rate of the kidneys) and volume of the extracellular fluids of cattle is described, based on measurement of the kinetics of inulin distribution and disposal after intravenous infusion. For these purposes the blood level of inulin was determined at varying time intervals up to 2 hr. after infusion. Inulin had reached equilibrium with the extracellular fluids of the body in approximately 45 min. (half-time of about 6 min.). The volume of the distribution of inulin was calculated to be 29.3 and 15.3% of body weight in a calf and cow, respectively. Inulin fractional clearance rate in a calf and cow were 0.0089 and 0.0168/minute, while the corresponding inulin volume clearances were 2.61 and 2.57 ml/minute/kg of body weight, respectively.