The Determination of the Net Utilization of Proteins by a Shortened Method

Abstract

The various methods of measuring the nutritive value of proteins have been frequently reviewed One of the more valuable of these is the measurement of the biological value by the balance-sheet procedure of Thomas (1909) and Mitchell (1923-4), although a considerable drawback to its use is the time and labour required. For example, with the technique described by Henry, Kon & Watson (1937) the examination of three proteins with twelve rats extends over 7 weeks and involves 120 nitrogen estimations on urine and faeces.