The Effect of Limited Water Intake on Nutrient Utilization

Abstract

Balance studies were conducted using adult male dogs to investigate the influence of limiting the intake of water upon nutrient utilization. Limitation of the drinking water to approximately one third of that consumed during a control ad libitum period resulted in a marked reduction in urine volume but little change in body weight while consuming diets relatively high in either protein, fat or carbohydrate. The apparent absorptions of calcium and phosphorus were unaffected by water restriction but urinary excretions were significantly lowered, whereas the retentions were increased. The utilization of nitrogen was significantly greater during the test period along with decreased urinary losses. The apparent absorptions of ether extract, dry matter and carbohydrate were essentially unaffected by water restriction although with the latter two nutrients, the slight differences in utilization obtained were statistically significant.