The influence of feeding frequency on dietary protein utilization – a model study

Joanna Myszkowska-Ryciak, Janusz Keller, Jacek Bujko

Summary
Summary
Aim: The purpose of the study was to examine the influence of feeding frequency on dietary protein utilization during growth.
Material and method: A model study was performed on 36 growing, female Wistar rats. Animals were randomly divided into 2 groups (A, B) and maintained in individual cages in controlled conditions with free access to water. After acclimatization each rat from group A was paired with corresponding animal from group B (weight criterion). In pairs animals were fed with the same amount of commercial rats´ diet divided into equal meals: 2 (rat A) or 4 (rat B). Twenty-four hours urine collections were performed twice for each pair of rats: on day 11 and 22; body weight was controlled every day. Starting from day before urine collection all animals received ¹⁵N glycine (0.5 mg/g feed) in each meal. After 25 days rats were killed and organs: liver, heart, kidney, small intestine, muscles: gastrocnemius and soleus were excised. Dietary protein utilization was characterized by urine total nitrogen (urea nitrogen and ¹⁵N) excretion. Additionally body weight, body chemical composition and organs weight were analyzed.
Results: Statistical analyzes showed no differences in body weight, body chemical composition and organs weight between animals fed 2 and 4 meals a day. There were no differences in urine parameters (total nitrogen, urea nitrogen and ¹⁵N).
Conclusions: Feeding frequency of 2 meals or 4 meals a day with the same amount of daily protein during 25 days has no effect on dietary protein utilization in growing female rats.

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