Mathematical modeling the impact of dietary macronutrients on energy metabolism in cats

North American pet food industry utilizes predictive equations such as those including modified Atwater equations to estimate energy density. However research has shown these equations tend to overestimate energy which predisposes companion animals to be in positive energy balance and obese. One method for attaining better predictive energy density models would be to quantify net energy content of different dietary formulations. Net energy is used for diet formulation within agricultural species, however it has not been validated within obligate carnivores such as the domestic cat. Furthermore, the contribution of protein and fibre on true energy content has not been assessed in obligate carnivores. Two studies will be conducted where increasing concentrations of protein and total dietary fibre will be fed to domestic cats respectively for a 14-day feeding period. Activity will be measured for 72 hours and on the final day 24 hour indirect calorimetry will be conducted in conjunction will total collection of urine and feces. The results will be used to estimate digestible and metabolizable energy, heat increment of feeding and resulting net energy. The in vivo data will be used for mathematical modeling of predictive equations that determine net energy content in feline diets.

Faculty Supervisor:

Anna Kate Shoveller

Student:

Partner:

Institut national de recherche pour l’agriculture, l’alimentation et l’environnement

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Other; Agriculture and Food; Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

University of Guelph

Program: