[Effect of different diets on blood protein indices in gnotobionts]

The protein content in the diet affects the amount of serum protein and fraction distribution in gnotobiots. Germ-free pigs and guinea-pigs which received the diet containing the least amount of protein showed an abrupt decrease in the total protein level in blood serum. As regards the content of alpha- and beta-globulins, no significant differences were found in blood serum of experimental animals. The amount of alpha-blobulin in germ-free animals which received the protein-deficient diet was 1 1/2-2 times higher than in those which received protein in an amount meeting the physiological requirements. It was established that 4-8% of protein in the diet of 2-month-old germ-free pigs and 14-18% in the diet of germ-free guinea-pigs favour the normal growth and development of experimental animals.