The Effect on Rat Growth of Alternated Protein Intakes

Abstract

Weanling rats grow as well, and utilize dietary protein with the same efficiency for growth whether it is supplied at a constant level in the diet or whether the level is alternated daily about the same value as a mean, provided the protein quality is constant (casein or wheat gluten). Daily alternation of both quality and quantity of dietary protein, using wheat gluten and a protein hydrolysate, results in significantly poorer growth response but not significantly lowered protein efficiency. The data suggest that prescribed dietary protein supplementation should be maintained constant to achieve maximum effectiveness from a given amount of supplement.