The effects of changes in dietary protein and water availability on urinary nitrogen compounds in the rooster, Gallus domesticus—II. Diurnal patterns in urine flow rates, and urinary uric acid and ammonia concentrations

Abstract

1. 1. Excretory parameters of roosters exhibit diurnal patterns of variation that are altered by changes in dietary protein, water availability and time of feeding. Patterns of urine flow rate are influenced most by changes in water availability, while patterns of urinary uric acid and ammonia concentration are altered most by changes in dietary protein content. 2. 2. Urinary flow rates and uric acid concentrations are inversely related for individual time periods. 3. 3. Changes in feeding time altered some excretory parameters but did not result in a predictable pattern of changes.