Observations on the Nutrition of Rhesus Monkeys Receiving Highly Processed Rations

Abstract

The 5-in-1 type of combat ration, which consists of a generous variety of processed foods, has been shown capable of maintaining a state of health in monkeys for periods of up to two years with minor vitamin supplementation. Folic acid and pyridoxine are required by this species in addition to the crystalline vitamins added during the manufacture of the ration. The folic acid inadequacy is largely a reflection of the high requirement of monkeys. The general significance of the pyridoxine deficiency precipitated in animals by highly processed rations is discussed. The injection of antibiotics to assist in controlling secondary complications during times of deficiency has proved to be a useful innovation in nutritional studies employing monkeys.