Frontiers in Veterinary Science (May 2024)

Effects of dietary nitrogen and/or phosphorus reduction on mineral homeostasis and regulatory mechanisms in young goats

  • Luisa S. Zillinger,
  • Karin Hustedt,
  • Nadine Schnepel,
  • Frank Hirche,
  • Marion Schmicke,
  • Gabriele I. Stangl,
  • Alexandra S. Muscher-Banse

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2024.1375329
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 11

Abstract

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IntroductionThe reduction of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in ruminant feed is desirable due to costs and negative environmental impact. Ruminants are able to utilize N and P through endogenous recycling, particularly in times of scarcity. When N and/or P were reduced, changes in mineral homeostasis associated with modulation of renal calcitriol metabolism occurred. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential effects of dietary N- and/or P-reduction on the regulatory mechanisms of mineral transport in the kidney and its hormonal regulation in young goats.ResultsDuring N-reduction, calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) concentrations in blood decreased, accompanied by a lower protein expression of cytochrome P450 family 27 subfamily B member 1 (CYP27B1) (p = 0.016). The P-reduced fed goats had low blood phosphate concentrations with simultaneously high Ca and Mg levels. The insulin-like growth factor 1 concentrations decreased significantly with P-reduction. Furthermore, gene expression of CYP27B1 (p < 0.001) and both gene (p = 0.025) and protein (p = 0.016) expression of the fibroblast growth factor receptor 1c isoform in the kidney were also significantly reduced during a P-reduced diet. ERK1/2 activation exhibited a trend toward reduction in P-reduced animals. Interestingly, calcitriol concentrations remained unaffected by either restriction individually, but interacted significantly with N and P (p = 0.014). Additionally, fibroblast growth factor 23 mRNA expression in bone decreased significantly with P-restriction (p < 0.001).DiscussionThese results shed light on the complex metabolic and regulatory responses of mineral transport of young goats to dietary N and P restriction.

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