[Estimation of body water in the lactating goat by injection of urea].

Abstract

Urea dilution technique (130 mg/kg live weight) was used to estimate total body water (BW) in 12 goats. Empty body water (EBW) determined by lyophilization was more closely related to urea space (US) than total BW. EBW was estimated with a better precision (CV = 4.7%) from the prediction equation including US measured 20 min after urea infusion and body weight. This urea technique was considered convenient.