[The effects of non-protein-nitrogen additives on lipid and carbohydrate metabolisms in sheep (author's transl)].

The effects of NPN administration on lipid and carbohydrate metabolisms were investigated in 14 sheep. Blood non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) are increased by intra-ruminal dosage with urea (10 g), 1 p. 1000 ammonia solution (1 l) or ammonium chloride (17.6 g). Peak values are recorded 3 to 4 hours after the injection. An early rise of NEFA and hyperglycemia are observed when ammonium chloride is injected intra-venously. The time-course of the variations of the different blood constituents (ammonia, glucose, NEFA, urea) as well as the lack of any action following intra-venous urea injections suggest that lipid mobilization is induced by the increased level of blood ammonia. The involvement of a strenghened activity of the sympathetic-adrenal system is evidenced by the increased elimination of urinary catecholamines.