Effects of 1,3-Butanediol and 1,2-Propanediol on Blood Ketone Bodies and Glucose in Sheep Fed Restricted Diets

Summary

Twenty Karakul rams were allotted to four groups, subjected first to starvation and then allowed restricted amounts (approximately 1/3 of ad libitum intake) of a high fiber, low energy diet containing no additive (control), 5% 1,3-butanediol (BD), 10% BD, and 5% 1,2-pro-panediol (PD) for 6 weeks. Starvation elevated (P<.001) serum ketones (β-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate) and decreased (P<.05) serum glucose. Five percent BD increased (P<.05) acetoacetate; the effect of BD on ketones was much more pronounced (P<.05) at the 10% level. BD had no effect (P>.05) on serum glucose. PD had no effect (P>.05) on ketones, but tended to increase serum glucose. Results are compared with those from other ruminant and monogastric animals.

Butanediol, Propanediol, Blood Ketone Bodies, Blood Glucose, Sheep, Restricted Diets

© American Society of Animal Science 1975