Duodenal protein infusions and plasma glucose, urea and amino acid levels in sheep.

Abstract

The effect of incremental levels of duodenal protein infusion (egg:casein or soy protein) on plasma amino acid, urea and glucose levels was studied with wethers. As the quantity of protein infusion increased, plasma essential amino acid concentrations increased while the nonessential amino acid concentrations were not markedly affected. Overall, there were no significant effects of sampling time on plasma amino acid levels. Further there were no significant sampling time by treatment interactions on plasma amino acid levels. Plasma urea levels rose significantly (P< .05) with increased levels of protein infusion. Plasma glucose was not influenced by source or quantity of protein infusion.