Protein Turnover in Two Kangaroo Sub-Species (Macropus Robustus Robustus and M. r. Erubescens) from Divergent Habitats and the Sympatric Feral Goat (Capra Hircus)

Abstract

1. Whole-body protein turnover was measured by a single-injection [¹⁵N]glycine method in the euro (Macropus robustus erubescens), wallaroo (M. r. robustus) and goat (Capra hircus). 2. Dietary nitrogen (N) intake was greater (P < 0.05) in the goat (1.17g N/kg⁰·⁷⁵ x day) than in the kangaroo sub-species and greater (P < 0.05) in the wallaroo (1.07 g N/kg⁰·⁷⁵ x day) than in the euro (0.93 g N/kg⁰·⁷⁵ x day). However, N balance was similar (0.29-0.34g N/kg⁰·⁷⁵ x day) among the species. 3. Crude protein (CP) turnover was similar in the euro (14.8 g CP/kg⁰·⁷⁵ x day) and goat (13.8 g CP/kg⁰·⁷⁵ x day) and less (P < 0.05) in the wallaroo (10.4g CP/kg⁰·⁷⁵ x day).