Abstract

This study investigated the feeding of plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) or perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) on creatinine excretion from sheep over the day. Eleven castrated Romney-cross male lambs were separated into two groups fed either Plantain (n=five) or Ryegrass (n=six) in an indoor metabolism trial for eight days (three-day adaptation period and five-day collection phase). Urine samples were taken from each sheep at 6am, 9am, 12pm, 3pm and 6pm over 4 days and analysed for concentration of creatinine. Mean creatinine concentration was lower (p<0.05) for the plantain group which can largely be attributed to the diuretic effect of plantain. Forage treatment did not influence the quantity of creatinine excreted by sheep per period or per day (p>0.05). Time of day and the interaction between forage type and time influenced the concentration and amount of creatinine in urine (p<0.05). For both forages, the mean creatinine concentration from the 12pm-3pm period most closely approximated the daily mean creatinine concentration.

Fletcher, H.R., Cranston L.M., Morel P.C.H., Burke J.L., Pain S.J., and Almeida A.K.

Hamilton, Volume 85, Hamilton, 41-44, 2025