Influence of dietary protein levels on urinary purine derivatives excretion in Murrah buffaloes

Growing bulls (30), 1-year-old, weighing 80.3 kg BW were divided into 3 equal groups following completely randomized design and were fed on isocaloric (2.01 ME Mcal/kg diet) diets containing 3 levels of protein i.e. standard protein (SP) ration at 100 (SP), 90 (MP) and 80 (LP)%, respectively, of requirements as per Kearl feeding standards. After 21 days of feeding a metabolism trial was conducted for last 8 days, for which total urine excreted and faeces voided were collected daily. Urine collection for estimation of purine derivatives was made during last 2 days of metabolic trial. The intake (g/kg 0.75 ) of CP and OM fulfilled 98, 91 and 83%, respectively, of Kearl’s CP requirements. Though other parameters reflecting nutrient utilization were comparable among the various protein levels, DCP intake (g/d) was higher in SP as compared to MP and LP groups. No significant response was noticed in purine derivatives with respect to levels of protein intake. It may be deduced that protein levels (80 to 100% in the ration) did not exhibit any variation in the excretion of urinary purine derivatives in buffaloes.