I am learning that cockroaches don't excrete urine like most animals do, but instead just store it in their fat and to recycle it for later use. So, I was wondering if other animals do anything similar or will actually drink their own urine (other than Bear Grylls, of course).
I have seen ZDF rats do it. I assume because they are diabetic and have sugary urine, coupled with the fact that most rats seem to like sweets.
I have seen ZDF rats do it. I assume because they are diabetic and have sugary urine, coupled with the fact that most rats seem to like sweets.
Dear Dominic:
As you know, in humans urine is an aqueous solution of more than 95% water, while the rest of its constituents in descending order of concentration are urea 9.3 g/L, chloride 1.87 g/L, sodium 1.17 g/L, potassium 0.75 g/L, creatinine 0.67 g/L, and other dissolved ions, and inorganic and organic compounds.
Based on the above, I would
i) look if there is a difference in the composition of urine in various animal species, and
ii) look at the basic needs of these animals to nutrient/elements found in their urine.
I have seen orangutans do it many times, especially the younger ones. I can't imagine them benefitting too much from it. Nevertheless the behaviour is very common across all young orangutans worldwide, it would be interesting to find out why such behavior has arisen.
In humans we tend to consume our needed substances indirectly in the kidneys when the filtrate gathered at the glomerulus passes through the nephron and what remains in the collecting tubule is urine. This is a survival mechanism.
It seems that in orangutans their oral consumption of urine is more of a behavioral issue.
Some humans do drink their own urine. This is done for therapeutic reasons.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urine_therapy
In India, some people drink 'cow's urine. In Hindu culture, cow is considered as a sacred animal..so do it's urine.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/weird-news/hindu-worshippers-drink-cow-urine-3017661
http://voxxi.com/2014/01/17/are-there-benefits-drinking-cow-urine/
http://brazjurol.com.br/july_august_2013/Shukla_565_571.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panchakavya
Although one may consider this off topic, but still gives a broader perspectives of this issue.
Animals usually regulate their water balance and homoiostasis by urine production (composition, amounts, water content). By drinking urine you (humans) take up salts and you may need even more water to excrete them than you gain from drinking (just like drinking seawater).Some animals ahve very efficient kidneys,can drink seawater and probably would survive by drinking urine .
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