J. Anim Sci.
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J. Anim Sci. 1964. 23:380-384.
© 1964 American Society of Animal Science
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Hematological and Histological Changes in Young Beef Bulls Fed Low Protein Rations1

T. N. Meacham, A. C. Warnick, T. J. Cunha, J. F. Hentges, Jr. and R. L. Shirley

Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, Gainesville2

Abstract

Two experiments involving 22 bulls were conducted to determine the effect of low protein rations on blood hemoglobin, hematocrit and serum protein, weights of secondary sex glands, epididymides and testes and histology of tissues from these glands and organs.

Low protein rations reduced (P<01) blood hemoglobin and hematocrit levels in both experiments. The serum protein level was reduced (P<.01) in protein-deficient bulls in experiment II where a more rapid protein deficiency was produced.

Gross weights of sex glands and organs were markedly reduced by the protein deficiency (P<.05). When these weights were calculated on a body weight basis, however, the differences were no longer apparent. Weights of reproductive glands and organs varied proportionally with changes in body weight of the bulls.

Histological examinations revealed a decrease (P<05) in size and development of the seminiferous tubules and ducts and reduced thickness of epithelium in the testes, epididymides, seminal vesicles, Cowpers and prostate glands due to a uniform low protein intake. When the protein level was dropped gradually, the resulting effect on the tissue morphology was more varied but tended to follow the same pattern.

Footnotes

1 Florida Agricultural Experiment Station Journal Series No. 1485.

2 Department of Animal Science.






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Copyright © 1964 by the American Society of Animal Science.