GENERAL NUTRITIONAL INTERVENTION OF UROLITHIASIS IN RUMINANTS

INTRODUCTION
The purpose of the urinary system is to eliminate bodily waste in liquid form, and typical
urine is meta-stable and saturated. Because urine is a complex solution, mineral salts can remain
dissolved even in situations where saturation is too high. When minerals precipitate spontaneously
and crystallize without dissolving, urolithiasis patients experience an unstable over-saturation that
fosters the creation of uroliths, also known as “calculi” or urinary stones.
This is a disorder of the urinary tract wherein proteinaceous material nidus, primarily
in the bladder or urethra, becomes surrounded by insoluble mineral and salt concretions. However,
the condition can occur anywhere in the urinary tract. Categorized as macroscopic concretions
called uroliths, abnormal microscopic precipitates in urine are known as crystalluria. Five primary
types of stones are silica, calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, and struvite. It
is also possible to find crystals of tyrosine, hippuric acid, cystine, and uric acid. The feed as well
as the immediate physical and chemical conditions in the urine determine whether a certain type
of crystal is present.
NUTRITIONAL INTERVENTION IN RUMINANTS AND PETS
Determining the type of stone: Different types of stones demand different dietary approaches,
so the first step is to identify the type of stone that is present. Urate, cystine, struvite, and
calcium oxalate are common forms of stones.
Manipulating pH and dietary protein: In the case of struvite stones, an acidic urine
environment—produced by adding ammonium chloride or methionine—as well as a diet low
in protein—typically 12–18% on a dry matter basis—can assist dissolve the crystals.
A low-oxalate (avoid foods like spinach, beets, and peanuts) and moderate-protein diet is
advised for those who have calcium oxalate stones. Reducing oxalate absorption and binding
it to the food can also be achieved by increasing dietary calcium.
Urate stones: Since urate stones cause the creation of more soluble sodium urate, a diet heavy
in sodium and low in purines, which are present in some fish and organ meats, may be helpful.
Cystine stones: A diet high in protein and low in cystine and methionine may help lower the
excretion of cystine in urine.
Modification of Protein: An increased excretion of uric acid resulting from an excessive protein
diet may aggravate the development of urate stones. For animals susceptible to urolithiasis,
diets containing modest amounts of high-quality protein are advised.
Utilize high-quality feed as much as possible. To maintain a healthy rumen, ruminants require
at least 1.5% of their body weight in forage. Dietary fiber, especially soluble fiber, in
moderation may aid in the binding of certain minerals and lessen their absorption, hence
lowering the risk of stone formation.
Ruminants at risk for urolithiasis should consume diets that contain modest amounts of highquality
protein. Specific mineral restrictions may be required based on the type of uroliths.
Animals with struvite stones, for instance, might benefit from diets low in calcium,
phosphorus, and magnesium, whereas those with calcium oxalate stones might benefit from
diets low in oxalate.
Urinary Acidifiers or Alkalinizer: Changing the urine’s pH can aid in preventing the formation
or dissolving of stones. The breakdown of struvite stones can be aided by diets including
acidifiers (such as ammonium chloride and methionine), but the production of uric acid stones
can be prevented by alkalinizing agents (such as potassium citrate).
To prevent noticeable variations in the content of urine, feed ad libitum.
Unrestricted access to water; [Calves are more vulnerable to urolithiasis when their water
intake falls below 3.5 units per unit of dry matter intake from feed] NaCl supplement fed at a
rate of 3.5% of daily DM intake to encourage increased water intake.
Restricting access to the dangerous pasture to females primarily. Providing wethers and steers
with restricted access to oxalate-rich grass.
When treating urolithiasis, a typical ruminants ration should include 8% protein, 0.3% calcium,
0.12% phosphorus, 0.02% magnesium, and 1.2% sodium in the diet. Additionally, 1-2
mg/kg/day of K, 1-2 mg/kg/day of Zn, and 100-200 mg/day of vitamin B12 should be included.