Protein catabolism was compared between fasted martens (Martes america
na) and white-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys leucurus). Amino acids in p
lasma decreased in white-tailed prairie dogs during fasting, but eleva
ted in martens with a simultaneously reduced excretion of urea, thus s
uggesting the martens may have a higher turnover of proteins, but conc
omitantly greater recycling of nitrogen.