Abstract

COILA-ANASCO, Pedro Ubaldo et al. Variations in the energy metabolism of the alpaca (Vicugna pacos). An evaluation by effect of prolonged fasting. J.Selva Andina Anim. Sci. [online]. 2020, vol.7, n.2, pp.63-71. ISSN 2311-2581.

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of a prolonged fast (5 days) on some blood biochemical components involved in energy metabolism. Twenty male alpacas of two-year-old were used in two treatments (experimental and control). Blood samples were taken in the morning for five days to quantify serum glucose, protein and urea levels by spectrophotometry and ketone bodies using semiquantitative test strips. The results show that the average of glucose, protein and urea of the alpacas subjected to fasting are different from the control group (P≤0.05). Glucose levels decrease while protein and urea levels increase over time. The presence of acetoacetate was not detected during the five days of fasting. It is concluded that prolonged fasting in alpacas alters the animal's metabolic process, both quantitatively and qualitatively, modifying the substrates and products involved in energy production.

Keywords : Fasting; glucose; proteins; urea; acetoacetate.

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