[Growth and hematological criteria of rats by different protein and iron supply]

In a two-factorial experiment with growing rats, protein content of diet (5, 25, 45%) and Fe supply (5, 25, 625 mg/kg diet) were changed. Both factors as well as their interactions influenced growth (p less than 0.001). The growth was reduced especially by deficient protein supply but although by inadequate iron supply and in a smaller degree by an excessive protein content of the diet. Hematological values as hemoglobin content, counts and volume of erythrocytes, hematocrit, MCH and MCHC - measured after 35 days of the experiment - were influenced by both factors and their interactions, too (p less than 0.001). Again deficient protein supply and insufficient Fe supply have the marked effects. Referring life weight as well as hematological parameters, the deficient protein supply was - independent of Fe supplementation - the limited factor, whereas in the cause of higher protein content (25, 45%) an insufficient Fe supply has negative effects.