Abstract: Background: Protein or starch intake may influence energy expenditure (EE) and body composition (BC) of male cats, this effect might differ between intact and neutered animals. Hypothesis/Objectives: To compare the ad libitum intake of two kibble diets with different starch to protein ratios (but similar in fat and fiber) on body weight (BW), BC, EE, and physical activity (PA) of privately owned cats. Animals: Non-obese cats, intact male (IM) 1.6±0.8 years (n=10) and neutered male (NM) 2.2±1.2 years (n=9). Methods: In a crossover design, cats were fed ad libitum for 4 months a high starch (HS; starch 40%, protein 38%) or high protein (HP: starch 20%, protein 55%) kibble diet. The BC and EE were evaluated by doubly labeled water method, and PA by 3-axyal accelerometer. Results were submitted to ANOVA in a 2 diets x 2 sexual condition arrangement (P≤0.05). Results: The IM cats presented higher EE (481±29 kJ/kg0.67/d), lean mass (LM; 90±0.8%) and PA than NM (EE: 382±28 kJ/kg0.67/d; LM: 84±1.1%; P< 0.05). NM fed HS diet did not change BW, but their fatty mass reduced 21% (P=0.04) and LM increased 4% (P< 0.01). The NM fed HP diet increased BW (5%) and LM (7%) (P< 0.05). No diet effect was observed for IM cats (P>0.05). The EE increased 10% when cats were fed HP compared to HS diet (P< 0.05). The EE was positively associated with PA (Figure 01). Conclusions: IM had higher LM, EE, and PA than NM non-obese cats. In NM, the HS diet maintained BW and improved BC.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion, participants will be able to critizize and evaluate better the use of protein or starch in cat diets
Upon completion, participants will be able to understand the differences in body compositon, energy expenditure, and physical actitivty between intact or neutred males cats
Upon completion, participants will be able to evaluted the impact of physical activity in energy expenditure of cats
