Abstract
The effects of zinc deficiency on protein utilization in rats during gastric tube feeding were investigated. Rats fed a zinc-deficient diet ad libitum ceased growing on the 4th day. Thereafter, rats were fed equal amounts of the zinc-deficient diet or a control diet via gastric tube. Apparent absorption of diet and protein were not reduced, but urinary excretion of nitrogen and urea were increased in zinc-deficient rats. These results show that utilization of absorbed amino acids was reduced in zinc-deficient rats.
