The Derivation of Factors for Computing the Gaseous Exchange and the Heat Production in the Metabolism of Casein by the Albino Rat

Abstract

Balances of nitrogen, carbon and energy were determined with five albino rats receiving casein exclusively in quantities sufficient approximately to meet the energy requirements. Of the total calories of the casein ingested 96.6 per cent were found to be digested, and 80.8 per cent were found to be metabolizable. The following factors were determined for computing the gaseous exchange and the heat production in the metabolism of casein: 1 gram of urinary nitrogen = 6.67 liters of respiratory O₂, 5.47 liters of CO₂ and 30.59 Calories.