Primary evaluation of methenamine as a NPN compound with probable effects on increasing ruminal escaped protein.
The effects of methenamine as a non-protein nitrogenous compound on protein and health status of feedlot lambs were studied in three groups of lambs receiving 5, 10, or 15 g of the substance daily in their feed for 100 days. The results were compared with data obtained from a control group receiving a diet low in crude protein without methenamine. Serum total protein, serum urea nitrogen and serum creatinine were measured every 10 days as indicators of protein metabolism and kidney function. Urine samples were also examined on the same days for possible side-effects of methenamine on the urinary tract. Following slaughter, various internal organs, including the brain and various parts of the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts, were examined both grossly and microscopically to detect any lesions. All groups receiving methenamine had serum total protein and serum urea nitrogen levels higher than those in the control group. The serum creatinine level was normal in all the groups throughout the experiment. No gross or microscopic lesion attributed to the toxic effects of methenamine was detected in any of the internal organs. Therefore, it is concluded that methenamine can be used as a non-protein nitrogenous compound without serious side-effects.
Department of Animal Health and Nutrition, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Iran. mohebbi@hafez.shirazu.ac.ir
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Mohebbi-Fani
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Shekarforoosh
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Maleki
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Vahedi
D000824:Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D000818:Animals; D001798:Blood Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D001806:Blood Urea Nitrogen; D003404:Creatinine / Q000097:blood; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008709:Methenamine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000378:metabolism; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D011506:Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D011897:Random Allocation; D012417:Rumen / Q000378:metabolism*; D012756:Sheep / Q000378:metabolism*; D016482:Urinalysis; D014556:Urine / Q000737:chemistry
D001798:Blood Proteins; D011506:Proteins; D003404:Creatinine; D008709:Methenamine; D009584:Nitrogen