The biological values of protein

Abstract

In an experimental period of 9 wks., the ratio of Osborne and Mendel (gain in weight per gm. protein ingested) was found to be independent of the food intake if a constant quantity (10 gm.), representing maintenance requirements, was subtracted from the total protein intake. The values thus calculated for wheat and maize were 1.85 and 1.73 respectively; they were not altered by steam cooking. 15-17% maize gluten protein, which contains a greater proportion of zein than does whole maize, produced the same amount of growth as 10% whole maize protein when the calorific intakes were approximately equal.