Effect of Age, Pregnancy, and Diet on Urinary Creatinine Excretion in Heifers and Cows

Authors

Kimberly M. Whittet, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Terry J. Klopfenstein, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Galen E. Erickson, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Tim W. Loy, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
R. Allen McDonald, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Date of this Version

January 2004

Comments

Published in 2004 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report. Copyright © 2003 The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska.

Abstract

A series of total urine collections was conducted to evaluate effect of age, pregnancy and diet on creatinine excretion in heifers and cows. To test effect of age on creatinine excretion, 31 animals ranging from 5 to 104 months of age were fed a hay diet supplemented with dried distillers grains (DDG). There was no difference in creatinine excretion across age. Cows fed the same diet were sampled to determine effect of pregnancy on creatinine excretion. Pregnancy did not affect daily creatinine excretion. Two collection periods were conducted to determine if diet alters creatinine excretion. In period 1, heifers were fed a hay diet supplemented with DDG; in period 2, heifers were fed a finishing diet. Creatinine excretion was lower in heifers on the finishing diet. Age and pregnancy did not influence creatinine excretion; however, diet may affect creatinine excretion in growing heifers.