Effect of dietary protein restriction on the levels of free L‐hydroxyproline in the plasma of the male domestic fowl

Synopsis

Two experiments were performed, in the first plasma‐free L‐hydroxyproline was measured in young male chickens given one of three diets containing differing quantities of protein. In the second, plasma‐free L‐hydroxyproline was determined in young males subjected to a short period of protein deprivation.

It was found that in birds fed adequate protein, plasma‐free L‐hydroxyproline and growth rate were related but that in those on a restricted protein intake the values tended to be low relative to age during the early stages of the experiment.

Birds deprived of protein showed reduced L‐hydroxyproline concentrations in the plasma, but when returned to a normal diet the values increased progressively, slightly exceeding those in the corresponding control birds.