7-2-04  From David Anderson DVM  Ohio State University

Assessment of the effects of feed restriction and amino acid supplementation
on GLUCOSE TOLERANCE in llamas
 
Christopher K. Cebra, VMD, MA, MS; Susan J. Tornquist, DVM, PhD; Rebecca M.
Jester, BS; Calogero Stelletta, DVM *
 
 American  Journal of Veterinary Research 2004;65:996-1001
 

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of prolonged feed
deprivation on glucose tolerance, insulin secretion, and lipid homeostasis
in llamas.On each of 2 consecutive days, food was withheld from the llamas
for 8 hours. Blood samples were collected before and 5, 15, 30, 45, 60, 120,
and 240 minutes after IV injection of dextrose (0.5 g/kg) for determination
of plasma insulin and serum glucose, triglyceride, and nonesterified fatty
acid concentrations. Between experimental periods, the llamas received
supplemental amino acids IV (185 mg/kg in solution). The llamas were then
fed a limited diet (grass hay, 0.25% of body weight daily) for 23 days,
after which the experimental procedures were repeated.Feed restriction
decreased glucose tolerance and had slight effects on insulin secretion in
llamas. Basal lipid fractions were higher after feed restriction, but
dextrose administration resulted in similar reductions in serum lipid
concentrations with and without feed restriction. Insulin secretion was
decreased on the second day of each study period, which lessened reduction
of serum lipid concentrations but did not affect glucose tolerance. Despite
having a comparatively competent pancreatic response, feed-restricted llamas
assimilated dextrose via an IV bolus more slowly than did llamas on full
rations. However, repeated administration of dextrose reduced insulin
secretion and could promote hyperglycemia and fat mobilization. These
findings suggested that veterinarians should use alternative methods of
supplying energy to camelids with long-term reduced feed intake or consider
administering agents to improve the assimilation of glucose.
 
 
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