Factors Affecting Protein Deposition in Ruminants

Growth of protein and fat tissues in animals involves increases in cell numbers and cell size to genetically programmed limits but the stage of maturity, which is highly dependent on diet, sets the time scale for relative rates of development of different tissues. Complex control systems in the body influence feed intake, and how nutrients are partitioned between different tissues, Differences between sexes in nutrient partitioning and effects on tissue growth in animals organs or cell cultures, treated with exogenous hormones indicate that the endocrine system is centrally involved in overall control of tissue development. The ratios of circulating nutrients influence the overall endocrine balance and can therefore affect the efficiency of deposition of both protein and fat.