The energetics of protein deposition during growth

Methods of determining protein and energy metabolism in farm animals and man are discussed. From experiments with growing pigs a curve for maximum nitrogen retention has been established and expressed as a quandratic function of metabolic live weight (kg 0.75). from experiments with growing pigs kept on protein with low biological value and from experiments with low energy level the nitrogen retention is compared with the maximum nitrogen curve and the results are discussed in relation to human nutrition. The comparatively high cost of protein deposition found in experiments with growing farm animals is discussed.