Effect of Asparagine on Growth and Protein Synthesis in Weanling Rats

Summary

Experiments were designed to measure growth and in vivo protein synthesis of weanling rats fed either asparagine-free or asparagine-containing diets. In all experiments, rats fed the diets containing asparagine gained more rapidly than those fed the asparagine-free diet. It was also observed that rats could adapt to an asparagine-free diet and that the dietary requirement period was no longer than three days. Protein synthetic capacity and asparagine oxidation by rats fed the two diets were also examined. It was found that rats fed the asparagine-free diet synthesized less body protein and also oxidized asparagine at a less rapid rate. These data substantiate the premise that the weanling rat does have a short-term dietary asparagine requirement.

© American Society of Animal Science 1973