A Salt Mixture Supplying the National Research Council Estimates of the Mineral Requirements of the Rat

Abstract

In view of the criticisms of the compositions of the salt mixtures commonly used in rat diets, growth studies were carried out with a mineral mixture based on the requirements listed by the National Research Council (NRC). Addition of sulfate to this mixture improved growth and the protein efficiency ratio. All mineral requirements estimated by the NRC were adequate for maximal growth of male weanling rats. A close correlation was noted between estimated mineral requirements and amounts present in fat-free tissues of adult rats.