Changes in hematology and metabolites in the serum and urine of the badger, Taxidea taxus, during food deprivation

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Abstract
Urine and blood samples were obtained from six female adult badgers before, during, and after 22 days of fasting. The badgers lost an average of 67 g body weight per day and decreased both water consumption and urine production during the fast. No consistent changes in hematological parameters occurred during the fast and all animals appeared in good health at the termination of the study. Serum T3 levels dropped during the first few days of fasting and then plateaued, whereas serum glucose didn't significantly decline until after the 8th day of the fast. Nonesterified fatty acids increased through the first few days of the fast and achieved significantly higher levels after the 6th day. Urine potassium and nitrogen levels progressively declined throughout the fast. These data suggest that gluconeogenesis is diminished during the 22-day fast, thereby providing the badger with an adaptation to conserve protein during periods of prolonged food deprivation.

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