The Inadequacy of Synthetic Diets for Mice

Abstract

Mice fed on a basal diet consisting of casein 31, corn starch 28, lard 21, salt mixture 7, cod liver oil 3 and yeast 10 developed edema and protrusion of the eyeballs followed by death. Vit. A concentrate, cod liver oil, ether extracted wheat germ oil, vit. E concentrate, vits. B1 and B6, riboflavin, nicotinic acid (0.5%), alfalfa meal (10-20%), choline, lemon juice, and tomato juice were ineffective. Purina Dog chow and Rockland Mouse pellets prevented death and cured most of the mice. Fresh flaked wheat germ and aq. liver extract were most effective. Rats do not show these symptoms on similar diets.