The Response of Ovine Plasma Fatty Acids to Prolonged Protein Depletion

Abstract

The response of ovine tissue lipids to a low-protein, energy-deficient diet has been reported previously (Horgan and Masters 1963). This type of experimental regimen was chosen to approximate that under drought conditions, and resulted in extensive metabolic alterations, tissue damage, and eventual death (Masters and Horgan 1962a, 1962b; Horgan and Masters 1963; Masters 1963a, 1963b). It is possible, however, to maintain experimental animals on a low-protein diet for an extended period of time if adequate supplies of energy are included in the feed. As an extension of previous work on the alterations of lipid metabolism in protein deprivation, then, the response of ovine plasma fatty acids to a low-protein, high-carbohydrate diet has been studied.