Protein deprivation in primates. V. Fetal mortality and neonatal status of infant monkeys born of deprived mothers

Abstract

Seventy-four pregnancies were followed in 45 rhesus monkeys. While pregnant the mothers were fed a semisynthetic diet affording 1, 2, or 4 g protein/kg per day. The poorer diets tended to produce excess fetal mortality, but liveborn infants born to 1-g and 2-g mothers averaged as large as those in the 4-g group. No differences existed in total protein concentration and albumin-globulin ratios in the sera of newborn infants.