[Amino acid content in the blood serum of sheep given methionine perorally and intravenously].

A trial was conducted with 4 groups equated after the anologues principle. In the course of 10 days (preparatory period) the sheep were fed the same ration as to composition and quantity (meadow hay and feed mixture of maize, barley and wheat bran). The trial continued for 10 days, 3 g DL methionine being added daily to the feed mixture of group I sheep throughout this period. Group II sheep were injected each 2 g DL methionine, dissolved in 20 cc physiologic soline on days 1st, 4th, 8th of trial initiation. Jugular vein blood was taken from all sheep prior to the experiment, on days 4th and 10th of the trial, 4 h prior to offering the feed mixture. Total protein content and that of free and bound amino acids was determined for the separated serum. It was found that the content of total protein and bound amino acids in the blood serum goes up by day 4 (more marked on intravenous application) and especially by day 10. Methionine intravenous administration enhances the content of methionine and arginine bound forms whereas its peroral administration--that of methionine, leucine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, valine and tyrosine. Both modes of application augment the total content of free amino acids and of methionine, leucine, isoleucine and phenylalanine in particular. It is inferred that methionine peroral administration is suitable for mass application while intravenous administration is suitable for single cases and when quick effect is desired.