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Performance of Rats Alternately Fed Diets Higher and Lower in Energy or Protein¹

University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee

Effects of alternating higher and lower energy or protein diets on carcass composition, growth, voluntary feed intake and feed conversion were determined with male albino rats. The five dietary regimens, each fed to six singly caged rats for 32 days, were as follows: a 10% corn oil diet alternated with a 5% corn oil diet 1) every 2 days and 2) every 4 days; a 20% casein diet alternated with a 10% casein diet 3) every 2 days and 4) every 4 days; and 5) the control diet containing 7.5% corn oil and 15% casein fed throughout the trial. When rats were fed by the two fluctuating energy regimens, they consumed less feed, gained less and were less efficient in feed conversion than control rats; none of these differences was statistically significant. There were no significant differences in body moisture, protein or ether extract content of the carcasses. However, alternating dietary protein levels significantly decreased feed consumption and body weight gains (P < 0.05) and significantly increased carcass moisture content in the 2-day regimen as compared with control rats. Rats on the 4-day fluctuating protein regimen had a 10% increase in carcass fat.

² Department of Animal Husbandry — Veterinary Science.

Manuscript received 21 June 1968.