Glucose Metabolism in a Kangaroo (Macropus Robustus Erubescens) and a Similar Size Eutherian Herbivore, the Feral Goat

Abstract

1. Glucose pool size, space, entry rate, and turnover time were estimated from the specific radioactivity vs time curves of [³H] and [¹⁴C]glucose administered as a single injection in the euro (Macropus robustus erubescens) and the sympatric feral goat (Capra hircus). 2. Digestible energy intake was greater (P < 0.05 ± SE) in the goat than in the euro (798 ± 64 vs 624 ± 31kJ/kg⁰·⁷⁵ × day). 3. However, there were no significant differences between the two species in parameters of glucose metabolism. 4. The use of an implantable osmotic infusion pump to deliver isotopic glucose showed promise as a means of avoiding the stress involved with the single injection technique.