PSXI-12 Determination of Protein Requirements for Labrador Retriever Pups (> 14 wk-9 Mo) Using the Indicator Amino Acid Oxidation (Iaao) Technique

Abstract Providing protein to growing puppies in accurate amounts ensures that animals have enough energy and nutrients for depositing muscle, bones, maintaining joint health. Inclusion must be provided at correct doses, considering a diet with excess can lead harmful outcomes such as hyperkalemia or acidosis. To determine the requirements Labrador Retrievers, indicator amino acid oxidation (IAAO) technique was utilized six (>14 wk-9 mo). Dogs were supplied constant dietary Phe across diets. The control fed two days, followed by day which test fed, tracer supplied, breath samples collected. On day, priming dose of L-[1-13C]phenylalanine (Cambridge Isotope Laboratories, Inc.) based on body weight subject [1-13C]Phe doses every 30 minutes, spanning four-hour period. A respiration mask placed each minutes (Oxymax, Columbus Instruments), 13CO2 collected, enrichment determined isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS). IRMS results converted atom percent (APE) analyzed using segmented model best fit (JMP Pro 16). outcome this experiment determines if essential acids non-essential nitrogen are met, Retriever will mean population safe (mean±2SD) 47.5 ± 1.325 g/1,000 kcal.