Urea Recycling in Muroid Rodents

Abstract

The results of urease activity studies in the digestive tract of muroid rodents Microtus socialis and Meriones meridianus are considered. It was noted that the absolute values of urease activity turned out to be comparable with those of lagomorphs, but were less than the results obtained for ungulates. The pronounced postgastric character of urealytic fermentation was shown. The possibility of significant urea recycling in muroid rodents aimed at compensating for dietary nitrogen deficiency and water conservation is considered.