The prophylactic treatment of Bos indicus steers with
the osmolyte glycerol attenuated the loss of body water
during transportation for 24 h but did not appear to be
effective at 48 h. However, the glycerol-linked enhanced
gluconeogenic state persisted for 48 h. Elevated plasma
glucose concentrations in the glycerol-treated animals
would lead to greater insulin concentrations, which in
turn would inhibit the breakdown of muscle proteins
and also counter the amino-acid mobilizing effect of
increased cortisol concentrations. In conclusion, glycerol
treatment not only leads to hyperhydration, but
also decreases the energy deficit by increasing plasma
glucose concentrations that may lead to an insulinlinked
sparing of muscle protein degradation during
transportation of long duration. The implications of
these findings would be the preservation of carcass protein
and a reduction in dark cutting beef. Further studies
are required to demonstrate the benefit and underlying
mechanisms of glycerol treatment to minimize muscle
wasting and promote the health of the animal during
livestock transport.
volume before exposure to a dehydrating environment,
such as the marketing process, is problematic for most
mammalian species. Hyperhydrating with water alone
is transitory because the kidney rapidly excretes any
excess fluid.