Influence of a Liquid Nutritional Supplement on Water Intake in Experimental Beagle Dogs

The objectives were to evaluate the effects of a liquid nutritional supplement formulated for dogs on water intakes and urine output. A liquid nutritional supplement was tested by way of a cross-over design in 8 experimental healthy Beagle dogs (4 males and 4 females, aged 9.3 years). The supplement (87 percent water, 2.7 percent protein, 2.6 percent fat, 0.4 percent crude fiber) was added to water and tested at 2 incorporation rates (50 or 70 ml/day/dog—D50 or D70) versus the control placebo (CO-water only). The dogs were kept in a controlled environment;water intakes and urine output were measured. Individual water intakes were characterised by large variations. Mean water intake increased significantly by 28 percent in dogs receiving the liquid nutritional supplement, in both genders, irrespectively of the dosage. Urine output was also increased, by 55 percent. Faeces scores remained unchanged. It was concluded that the liquid supplement increased water intake and urine output in a safe way, without increasing dramatically the daily dietary sodium chloride intake. The recommended dosage of the manufacturer—50 ml/day for dogs weighing 10 - 20 kg BW is efficient. Increasing the dosage had no advantage, nor adverse effects. Increased water intake and urine output is of interest for dogs suffering from urolithiasis.

The Blue Water Footprint of Extensive Beef Production on Semi-Arid Rangeland over a Full Production Cycle in South Africa

Water plays a critical role in beef cattle production. Current methods used to estimate the blue water footprint of beef cattle are largely based on generic values that do not make provision for different production systems within different regions. Total production cycle measurements should therefore be considered to accurately assess the blue water footprint of beef cattle grazing natural rangeland. The aim of the study was to measure water intake of extensive Bonsmara cattle grazing Marikana Thornveld over a full production cycle at the ARC-Roodeplaat Research Station. Measurements commenced at weaning (June 2017) and continued until the heifers weaned their first calves at approximately 210 days of age (July 2019). Water consumption differed between 21.4 litre per animal per day when the heifers were still growing to 54.3 litres during lactation, relating to between 6.7% and 12.0% of live weight. The blue water footprint over the total production cycle was calculated to be 27,147 litres.

Hydration status,body composition,and anxiety status in aeronautical military personnel from Spain:a crosss-ectional study

Background: An adequate hydration status is critical to ensure efficiency during mental and physical activities.Our goal was to assess the hydration status of a Spanish group of aeronautical military men and to determine the association of hydration status with body composition and anxiety.Methods: A total of 188 men were evaluated through a validated hydration questionnaire, anthropometric and biochemical parameters, and an anxiety questionnaire. Based on these methods, the criteria of hydration were established.Results: Of the total sample, 81% met the hydration criteria(urine color = well hydrated, water balance ≥0 ml, and total water intake/weight ≥35 ml/kg), and 19% did not meet the hydration criteria(urine color = not sufficiently hydrated or dehydrated, water balance <0 ml, and total water intake/weight <35 ml/kg). Subjects not meeting the hydration criteria had lower urine pH, negative water balance, and lower water intake. The latter also had higher anxiety status(score=4 vs. 3, P=0.026), weight [(84.7±10.5) kg vs.(80.5±10.2) kg], body mass index [(26.3±3.1) kg/m;vs.(25.2±2.8) kg/m;], body fat [(22.3±5.6)% vs.(18.3±6.5)%], urine specific gravity, and urine color. Using a logistic binary regression model, hydration status was related significantly with the percentage of body fat(P=0.004), but no relation was found with age, comorbidities, or medications. Furthermore, total water intake/weight was positively correlated with percentage of body water(r=0.357, P=0.000) and negatively with body fat(kg)(r=–0.427, P=0.000), percentage of body fat(r=–0.405, P=0.000), and waist/hip ratio(r=–0.223, P=0.002). Based on a linear regression model, total water intake/weight was related significantly with percentage of body fat(P=0.001) and percentage of body water content(P=0.035). No relation was found, however, with waist/hip ratio, age, comorbidities, or medications.Conclusions: These findings all suggest a relationship between hydration status and body composition but also set the bases for future studies that relate hydration status and anxiety status. These results can be used to improve the hydration status and body composition of military personnel.

Optimal fluid intake in daily diet: Avicenna's view

Adequate daily water consumption is an important factor of keeping regular homeostasis. However, the best quantity of daily water consumption for a healthy individual is not virtually stated in the literature. Despite the dearth of evidence-based recommendations, it is commonly thought that ingesting eight glasses of water a day is good for a healthy person. Avicenna had a unique viewpoint. He believed that daily water intake depended on numerous elements together with age, intercourse, body temperament, season, occupation and various internal and external elements. He also cited a few essential and useful measures regarding proper water consumption, which have additionally been emphasized in Islamic hadiths.