Life-stage differences in nutrient digestibility and physiological parameters in Sapsaree dogs

This study evaluated the life-stage differences in growth and fecal parameters, nutrient digestibility, serum biochemistry, and hematology of Korean Sapsaree dogs. Eighteen healthy Saparees were allotted into three groups according to age (puppy, under 1 yr old; adult, 1-7 yrs old; senior, over 7 yrs old). The study included a 7-day adaptation period and a 10-day experimental period. Body weight change was highest (p < 0.05) in puppies (3.87%), followed by adults and seniors (0.75% and -3.27%). Puppies and adults had greater (p < 0.05) daily food intake than seniors. Adults had greater (p < 0.05) daily fecal output than puppies and seniors. Puppies and adults had greater (p < 0.05) apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter than seniors. The ATTD of crude protein was highest (p < 0.05) in puppies, followed by adults and seniors (88.86%, 84.70%, and 83.12%, respectively). The ATTD of methionine was highest (p < 0.05) in adults, followed by seniors and puppies. Puppies had greater (p < 0.05) the levels of serum total protein, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine than adults and seniors. Serum albumin level was highest (p < 0.05) in puppies, followed by adults and seniors (4.38, 2.45, and 1.88 g/dL, respectively). At the final day of the study, puppies had greater (p < 0.05) the number of white blood cells than adults and seniors. Adults had greater (p < 0.05) the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin level than puppies and seniors. Our findings suggest that life stage should be considered a key determinant in food formulation and nutritional management, as it influences nutrient digestibility and metabolic status.