本研究探討飲食所含的維生素C和銅以及飼養時間的長短(年齡)的對大鼠的飼養效率、體重增加(即生長)以及銅吸收的影響。實驗設計採用2x3x3的多因子設計:飼料中含0%或1%的維生素C(代表足量與過量的維生素,3種不同含量的銅,分別為1.37,2.37以及6.37ppm(代表低量、邊緣量以及足量的銅),飼養的時間分別為4,8和12週測定與計算。體重(增加)和飼養效率分別在實驗的第4,8和12週測定與計算。銅的吸收率則在第3,7和11週時測定。經過統計分析後綜合結果如下:大鼠的飼養效率和體重不受飲食所含的維生素C和銅的影響;但是會受到年齡的影響。銅的吸收率最高(47%)與最低都是在飼養大鼠第三個星期的時候。前組大鼠為食用含銅量低,維生素C過量之飲食且而後組大鼠則是食用銅足量,維生素C過量之飲食。
The effects of ascorbic acid, copper and age on weight gain, feed efficiency, and copper absorption in rats were investigated. The experimental factorial design (3X2X 3) was employed. Average weight gain and feed efficiency were determined during the 4th, 8th, and 12th weeks. Copper absorption was measured during the 3rd, 7th and 11th weeks of the experiment. The findings of the study were as follows: Weight gain and feed efficiency of rats were affected by age, but not by copper or ascorbic acid. The highest copper absorption rate (47%) was found in the group of rats fed a low copper and excess ascorbic acid diet while the lowest copper absorption rate (9%) was observed in the group of rats fed an adequate copper, excess ascorbic acid diet after three weeks of the experiment.