Urinary Energy Loss in Cattle
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Question (English)
Urinary energy loss in cattle is approximately what percentage of gross energy (GE) intake?
- 2–3% of GEi
- 4–5% of GEi ✓ Correct
- 7–9% of GEi
- 10–12% of GEi
Correct Answer: 4–5% of GEi
Urinary energy loss in cattle (ruminants) is 4–5% of GEi. Ruminants excrete more energy in urine compared to pigs because ruminants excrete allantoin and hippuric acid (in addition to urea), which carry more energy than urea alone.
Urinary Energy Loss by Species
- Pig: 2–3% of GEi (lowest)
- Ruminants (cattle): 4–5% of GEi
Why Higher in Ruminants?
Ruminants have higher protein turnover and more complex nitrogen metabolism. The main nitrogenous excretory product is urea, but they also excrete allantoin (purine metabolite from microbial nucleic acids), hippuric acid, and creatinine — collectively contributing more urinary energy.
Energy Partitioning in Cattle
GE → (−FE 40–50%) → DE → (−UE 4–5%, −CH₄ 7%) → ME → (−HI) → NE
📚 About this Topic — Animal Nutrition
This multiple choice question is from Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher. It has 4 options with a detailed explanation of the correct answer. Practice more MCQs from Animal Nutrition to strengthen your preparation.
