EIWEISSMETABOLISMUS UND SCHILDDRÜSENAKTIVITÄT BEIM HAHN (GALLUS DOMESTICUS)

Abstract

Cockerels were fed diets without any supplement, and with 10 to 50% casein supplements. At each level, half received 50 mg. methyl thiouracil daily for 10 days. Thyroid activity was estimated by thyroid weight, by the ratio of follicle diameter to the number of cells in the follicle, and by the mean follicle cell height in follicles 60 micra in outer diam. Max. body growth occurred at 10 - 20% supplement. At this level, thyroid wt. was also maximal in response to methylthiouracil. From 20 - 40% the thyroid wt. was less, and at 50% it rose again. Authors'' interpretation: thyroid hormone is needed for normal anabolism of protein ( 10 - 20% ); and also for catabolism of large (toxic?) amts. of protein (50%). Without methyl thiouracil, no effect of protein diet occurred.