Specific dynamic action of a high-protein diet and its significance for thermoregulation in the golden hamster.

As a result of the specific dynamic action of a high-protein diet the resting metabolism of golden hamsters within the zone of thermoneutrality is increased on a average by 40%. The specific dynamic action diminishes markedly, with declining environmental temperature. It is concluded from this results that part of the heat produced by the specific dynamic action of a high-protein diet leads to a rise in the lower critical temperature in the zone of thermoneutrality by 2 degrees C.