How is nitrogenous wastes excreted from a pig?

Pigs, like other mammals, excrete nitrogenous wastes primarily in the form of urea through their urine. Here's a breakdown of the process:

1. Breakdown of Proteins:

- Pigs, like all animals, consume proteins in their diet.

- During digestion, proteins are broken down into amino acids.

- Amino acids are used for various bodily functions, but any excess is deaminated, meaning the amino group (NH2) is removed.

2. Formation of Urea:

- The ammonia (NH3) produced from deamination is toxic.

- The liver converts ammonia into urea, a less toxic compound.

3. Filtration and Excretion:

- Urea enters the bloodstream and is transported to the kidneys.

- The kidneys filter the blood, removing urea and other waste products.

- Urea is dissolved in water and excreted as urine.

Other Excretion Routes:

- While most nitrogenous waste is excreted via urine, a small amount can be lost through sweat and exhaled air.

Key Components:

- Kidneys: The primary organs responsible for filtering blood and producing urine.

- Urinary Bladder: Stores urine before it's expelled.

- Urethra: The tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside.

Let me know if you have any other questions about pig physiology!