From:
AFERRETVET@cs.com
Date: 2001-03-31 19:36:00 UTC
Subject: Re: [Ferret-Health-list] More on Rice vs Corn.
Hi Dodie
I must have missed your first post.
Your statement that "rice is better than corn"
is interesting but needs to be defined. Whole corn
contains about 10% protein, and whole rice contains
about 7% protein. Both have low methionine levels, so
neither one should be used as a protein source. However
both are normally used as a carbohydrate source. Now as
a carbohydrate source the main concern is with the post meal
glucose peak that the carbohydrate produces. Rice produces
a high glucose peak while corn produces a lower peak. The high
glucose peak stimulates the pancreas to produce insulin. With
time this overstimulation may cause an insulinoma. Consequently
corn may be the better carbohydrate source. (Barley and sorghum
produce an even lower glucose peak than corn.)
On the other hand, corn gluten meal, which is about 40% protein,
is a protein source and may cause urinary tract problems if an
urinary acidifier (i.e., dl-methionine) is not added.
Hope that clears things up,
Jerry Murray, DVM