A Study of Lysine Deficiency and Nitrogen Balance under Ad Libitum and Force-Feeding Conditions

Abstract

The effects of a lysine deficiency upon weight changes, nitrogen intake and nitrogen balance have been investigated, employing both ad libitum and force-feeding procedures. A marked correlation between nitrogen intake and nitrogen balance was noted for all groups except the lysine-deficient force-fed group. During the first few days of force feeding the latter group showed a marked increase in nitrogen output which decreased as the animals evidenced marked deficiency symptoms.