title: Energy intake, growth rate and body composition of young Labrador Retrievers and Miniature Schnauzers fed different dietary levels of vitamin A.
abstract: Research in rodents has shown that dietary vitamin A reduces body fat by enhancing fat mobilisation and energy utilisation; however, their effects in growing dogs remain unclear. In the present study, we evaluated the development of body weight and body composition and compared observed energy intake with predicted energy intake in forty-nine puppies from two breeds (twenty-four Labrador Retriever (LAB) and twenty-five Miniature Schnauzer (MS)). A total of four different diets with increasing vitamin A content between 5·24 and 104·80 μmol retinol (5000-100 000 IU vitamin A)/4184 kJ (1000 kcal) metabolisable energy were fed from the age of 8 weeks up to 52 (MS) and 78 weeks (LAB). The daily energy intake was recorded throughout the experimental period. The body condition score was evaluated weekly using a seven-category system, and food allowances were adjusted to maintain optimal body condition. Body composition was assessed at the age of 26 and 52 weeks for both breeds and at the age of 78 weeks for the LAB breed only using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The growth curves of the dogs followed a breed-specific pattern. However, data on energy intake showed considerable variability between the two breeds as well as when compared with predicted energy intake. In conclusion, the data show that energy intakes of puppies particularly during early growth are highly variable; however, the growth pattern and body composition of the LAB and MS breeds are not affected by the intake of vitamin A at levels up to 104·80 μmol retinol (100 000 IU vitamin A)/4184 kJ (1000 kcal).
authors.affiliation: Mars GmbH, Eitzer Straße 215, Verden 27283, Germany.
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Brenten
authors.affiliation: WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition, Freeby Lane, Waltham on the Wolds, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, UK.
authors.forename: Penelope J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Morris
authors.affiliation: WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition, Freeby Lane, Waltham on the Wolds, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, UK.
authors.forename: Carina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Salt
authors.affiliation: Institute of Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, Arthur-Scheunert-Allee 114-116, Bergholz-Rehbrücke D-14558, Germany.
authors.forename: Jens
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Raila
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Medicine, Clinic of Small Animals, Freie Universität Berlin, Oertzenweg 19b, Berlin 14163, Germany.
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kohn
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Medicine, Clinic of Small Animals, Freie Universität Berlin, Oertzenweg 19b, Berlin 14163, Germany.
authors.forename: Leo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Brunnberg
authors.affiliation: Institute of Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, Arthur-Scheunert-Allee 114-116, Bergholz-Rehbrücke D-14558, Germany.
authors.forename: Florian J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Schweigert
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Straße 49, Berlin 14195, Germany.
authors.forename: Jürgen
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zentek
mesh_terms: D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon / Q000662:veterinary; D050154:Adiposity; D000818:Animals; D017849:Animals, Inbred Strains; D001823:Body Composition; D004032:Diet / Q000662:veterinary*; D004285:Dogs / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D002149:Energy Intake; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D008297:Male; D008954:Models, Biological; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D013045:Species Specificity; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism; D015430:Weight Gain
chemical_list: D014801:Vitamin A