The Fasting of Large Ruminants

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Abstract
With a specially constructed respiration chamber gaseous metabolism of 2 young and 2 mature steers was determined at different feed levels during fasts of 2-14 days. A rapid decrease in heat production during the first few days was followed by a slower, more uniform decrease. After the 14-days'' fast, heat production per sq. m. of body surface per 24 hrs. reached alevel of 1,300-1,400 cal. (steer standing). Metabolism was greater per unit of size in young than in mature steers. N excreted in urine reached a level of 40 gm. per day at the end of longer fasts. Composition of the urine changed from that characteristic of herbivora on feed to that of fasting man. Absence of acidosis was indicated by the low ammonia and ketone bodies.

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