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An investigation of the effects of plantain (Plantago lanceolata) ingestion on kidney function in sheep

Lindsay, Georgina
Date
2016-11-04
Type
Dissertation
Fields of Research
ANZSRC::060603 Animal Physiology Systems , ANZSRC::070108 Sustainable Agricultural Development , ANZSRC::070204 Animal Nutrition
Abstract
The mechanism causing diuresis following ingestion of plantain as the sole dietary component of sheep was investigated. For three days two groups of sheep (n = 8) were fed either sufficient ryegrass or plantain (Agricom ‘PG742’) to provide a daily intake of 4 L of water per sheep. Water contents of feed and faeces and total urine volume were measured daily to determine water balance. Urine osmolality and total osmols excreted plus clearance values for creatinine and urea were calculated for each animal for each day. Following a ten day rest period, treatment groups were swapped and the trial was repeated. Plantain ingestion increased daily urine production by about 800 mL or 33% (P = 0.009) and reduced daily water balance by about 660 mL (P = 0.018) compared with the ryegrass treatment. Urine osmolality and specific gravity was significantly lower in plantain-fed sheep (P = 0.043) yet total excretion of solute was unaltered (P = 0.563). Creatinine and urea clearance values were the same for both feed treatments for 4 of the 6 days of the study period. These results confirm that ingestion of plantain causes a diuresis in sheep and the absence of effects on kidney clearance values suggests that the change in kidney function is likely to be confined to the distal convoluted tubules and collecting ducts. This new finding establishes the effect of dietary plantain on urine production in sheep as being a water diuresis.