Effect of Quality and Quantity of Protein on Body Growth and Hair Growth of the Rat

The study investigated the effects of protein quality and quantity on body and hair growth in 60 weanling male rats. The rats were divided into six groups with varying protein sources (dried egg albumen, supplemented casein, and unsupplemented casein) and protein levels (20% and 10%). Results showed that the hair cycle length was significantly longer for rats on the 10% unsupplemented casein diet. Weight gain varied significantly among treatments, with the highest gains in rats fed 20% supplemented casein and the lowest in those on 10% unsupplemented casein. Hair density was also significantly different, with lower densities in rats on 10% dried egg albumen and 10% unsupplemented casein diets. Hair diameters did not show significant differences.