Research Article: Life-stage differences in nutrient digestibility and physiological parameters in Sapsaree dogs
Abstract:
This study evaluated the life-stage differences in growth and fecal parameters, nutrient digestibility, serum biochemistry, and hematology of Korean Sapsaree dogs. Eighteen healthy Saparees were allotted into three groups according to age (puppy, under 1 yr old; adult, 1–7 yrs old; senior, over 7 yrs old). The study included a 7-day adaptation period and a 10-day experimental period. Body weight change was highest ( p < 0.05) in puppies (3.87%), followed by adults and seniors (0.75% and ?3.27%). Puppies and adults had greater ( p < 0.05) daily food intake than seniors. Adults had greater ( p < 0.05) daily fecal output than puppies and seniors. Puppies and adults had greater ( p < 0.05) apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter than seniors. The ATTD of crude protein was highest ( p < 0.05) in puppies, followed by adults and seniors (88.86%, 84.70%, and 83.12%, respectively). The ATTD of methionine was highest ( p < 0.05) in adults, followed by seniors and puppies. Puppies had greater ( p < 0.05) the levels of serum total protein, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine than adults and seniors. Serum albumin level was highest ( p < 0.05) in puppies, followed by adults and seniors (4.38, 2.45, and 1.88 g/dL, respectively). At the final day of the study, puppies had greater ( p < 0.05) the number of white blood cells than adults and seniors. Adults had greater ( p < 0.05) the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin level than puppies and seniors. Our findings suggest that life stage should be considered a key determinant in food formulation and nutritional management, as it influences nutrient digestibility and metabolic status.
Introduction:
The nutritional physiology of companion dogs dynamically changes throughout their life stages, reflecting differences in growth, maintenance, and aging processes. Previous studies have reported age-related differences in nutrient digestibility, gut microbiota, and physiological parameters, with evidence indicating that nutrient digestibility and energy requirements change with age, while alterations also occur in immune functions and metabolic responses ( 1 , 2 ). During growth, nutritional management is necessary…
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