Effect of cation-anion balance in feed on urine pH in rabbits in comparison with other species.

The research studied the effect of different dietary compositions on the pH value of urine in rabbits, and compared these effects with findings from studies on other animals like cats, dogs, pigs, and horses. Various diets were used to control the cation-anion balance (CAB) in the rabbits’ feed, and the effects on urine pH, blood pH, and more were observed and analyzed.

Research Methodology

• A total of thirteen dwarf rabbits were utilized for this study.
• Six different diets were fed to these rabbits, each diet having a cation-anion balance (CAB) between -39 and +320 mmol/kg of dry matter (DM).
• Ammonium chloride (NH Cl) was used as an acidifier in the feeds.
• CAB was calculated using a given formula, which included minerals in g/kg DM.
• Urine, faeces, and blood samples were collected from the rabbits for examination.

Results and Findings

• The pH of the rabbit’s urine ranged between 5.26 (at a CAB of -39 mmol/kg DM) to 8.56 (at a CAB of +320 mmol/kg DM).
• Diets having a low CAB significantly reduced the pH of the rabbit’s blood and blood base excess.
• Increased renal excretion of calcium, phosphorous, sodium and magnesium, along with water, was noted in rabbits fed with acidifying diets.

Comparative Analysis with Other Species

• When compared with other species, rabbits showed similar responses to acidifying diets as observed in cats, dogs, and pigs.
• However, when fed with mildly alkalizing diets, rabbits showed a trend towards higher urine pH as compared to other monogastric species such as cats, dogs, pigs, and horses.

Conclusion

• The study reveals that the structure of a rabbit’s diet impacts the pH of their urine, similar to the findings from studies on other animals.
• The changes in urine pH and renal excretion of certain minerals display how dietary manipulations can influence the homeostasis of animals such as rabbits.
• Understanding such responses can contribute towards devising strategic dietary plans for these animals, particularly in the context of animal health and disease management.