Concentration and composition of plasma proteins in wild mammals

Total protein concentrations from a variety of wild mammalian species were measured by the Lowry and Biuret techniques and compared with results obtained or derived by refractometry. Values obtained with the Lowry method were the highest and certain derived refractometry results, the lowest. It is suggested that the Biuret method provides the most acceptable values but that care should be exercised in using the correct standard. The percentage composition of plasma from 22 species of wild mammals is also presented and the observations discussed with relation to methodology and A/G ratio.