Abstract: The assimilation, retention, and release of nutrients by animals fundamentally shapes their physiology and contributions to ecological processes (e.g., zoogeochemistry). Yet, information on the transit of nutrients through the bodies of large mammals remains scarce. Here, we examined how sodium (Na), a key element for animal health and ecosystem functioning, travels differently through fecal and urinary systems of cows (Bos taurus) and horses (Equus ferus caballus). We provided a large dose of Na and compared its timing of release in feces and urine to that of nonabsorbable markers. Na excretion by urine occurred approximately twice as fast as excretion by feces, yet both were shorter than indigestible particle markers. These differences correspond to rapid absorption of Na in the upper gastrointestinal tract and transport by blood to the kidneys (urine Na excretion) or resecretion of Na into the lower intestinal tract (fecal Na excretion). Interestingly, for cows, we found a second peak of Na excretion in urine and feces > 96 h after dosage. This result may indicate that surplus Na can be rapidly absorbed and stored in specific body cells (e.g., skin), from which it is later released. Using a propagule dispersal model, we found that the distance of cattle- and horse-driven nutrient dispersal by urine was 31% and 36% less than the fecal pathway and 60% and 41% less than the particle marker pathway, which is commonly used to estimate nutrient dispersal. Future physiological and zoogeochemical studies should resolve different pathways of nutrient retention and release from large mammals.
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Overview
This research investigated how sodium (Na) moves through the bodies of large herbivores, specifically cows and horses, focusing on differences in Na excretion via urine and feces.
The study also explored the ecological impact of these differences, particularly how sodium dispersal distances vary between urinary and fecal pathways in these animals.
Research Context and Importance
Animals play a crucial role in ecosystems by assimilating, retaining, and releasing nutrients, affecting zoogeochemical cycles.
Large mammals’ nutrient transit pathways are not well understood, especially concerning sodium, a vital mineral for animal health and ecosystem function.
The study aimed to fill this knowledge gap by examining sodium dynamics in cows (Bos taurus) and horses (Equus ferus caballus).
Methodology
Both cows and horses were given a large dose of sodium to track its movement.
The researchers compared sodium release timing in urine and feces against the timing of nonabsorbable markers (indigestible particles) to understand nutrient transit.
Nonabsorbable markers are substances that pass through the digestive system unchanged and are commonly used to estimate nutrient dispersal distances.
Key Findings on Sodium Excretion
Urinary sodium excretion occurred approximately twice as fast as fecal sodium excretion.
Both sodium excretion pathways were faster than the transit of indigestible particle markers.
This reflects rapid sodium absorption in the upper gastrointestinal tract, transport via the bloodstream to the kidneys, and subsequent excretion in urine.
Some sodium is resecreted into the lower intestinal tract, resulting in fecal sodium excretion.
In cows, a second sodium excretion peak in urine and feces was observed more than 96 hours after sodium administration.
This delayed peak suggests that excess sodium may be temporarily stored in body cells (e.g., skin) and released later.
Ecological and Zoogeochemical Implications
The study used a propagule dispersal model to estimate how far sodium nutrients disperse through urine and feces.
For cattle, nutrient dispersal distance via urine was 31% less than via feces.
For horses, urinary nutrient dispersal distance was 36% less than via feces.
When comparing sodium dispersal distance to that estimated by the commonly used particle marker pathway, urine dispersal distances were 60% (cattle) and 41% (horses) less.
This indicates that fecal dispersal transports sodium further than urinary dispersal, and particle markers may overestimate nutrient spread distances.
Conclusions and Recommendations for Future Research
Large herbivores retain and release sodium via distinct physiological pathways, each with different timing and dispersal characteristics.
The observed delayed sodium release suggests potential temporary sodium storage within the body, a novel insight into animal mineral physiology.
Ecological models of nutrient cycling should consider differences in excretion pathways to more accurately predict nutrient dispersal.
Further physiological and zoogeochemical studies are encouraged to disentangle how large mammals retain and release nutrients over time and space.
Cite This Article
APA
Abraham AJ, Duvall ES, Doughty CE, Riond B, Ortmann S, Terranova M, le Roux E, Clauss M.
(2025).
Sodium Retention in Large Herbivores: Physiological Insights and Zoogeochemical Consequences.
J Exp Zool A Ecol Integr Physiol, 343(6), 664-676.
https://doi.org/10.1002/jez.2924
Section of EcoInformatics and Biodiversity, Department of Biology, Centre for Ecological Dynamics in a Novel Biosphere (ECONOVO), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
School of Informatics, Computing and Cyber Systems, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.
Duvall, Ethan S
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA.
Doughty, Christopher E
School of Informatics, Computing and Cyber Systems, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.
Riond, Barbara
Clinical Laboratory, Department for Clinical Diagnosis and Services, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Ortmann, Sylvia
Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Berlin, Germany.
Terranova, Melissa
AgroVet-Strickhof, ETH Zurich, Lindau, Switzerland.
le Roux, Elizabeth
Section of EcoInformatics and Biodiversity, Department of Biology, Centre for Ecological Dynamics in a Novel Biosphere (ECONOVO), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
Mammal Research Institute, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
Clauss, Marcus
Clinic for Zoo Animals, Exotic Pets and Wildlife, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
AgroVet-Strickhof, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Lindau, Switzerland.
MeSH Terms
Animals
Cattle / physiology
Feces / chemistry
Herbivory / physiology
Sodium / urine
Sodium / metabolism
Horses / physiology
Horses / metabolism
Female
Grant Funding
A.J.A. acknowledges Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Grant Agreement No. 101062339.
Conflict of Interest Statement
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
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