Metabolic profile and renal function of lambs fed with maniçoba hay replacement by spineless cactus

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the replacement of maniçoba hay with spineless cactus on the metabolic response and renal function of lambs. Blood and urine samples were collected 55 days after introduction of the tested diets. No blood parameters were affected and the urinary concentration of urea, creatinine, and potassium was influenced by diet with decreasing linear behavior. The urinary glucose excretion index and the fractional urinary excretion of glucose increased linearly. The spineless cactus does not negatively impact in the metabolic profile and renal function of confined lambs, suggesting that it may replace up to 100% of the maniçoba hay.