Selection for growth in mice on two diets

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Abstract
Mice were selected for high and low growth (i.e. weight gain from 3 to 6 weeks of age), within litters for thirteen generations. This was carried out on a full and on a diluted diet which provided a good and a poor plane of nutrition. A randomly bred control line was maintained on each diet. Responses to selection were obtained in both directions and on both diets, although the diluted diet was subject to an unexplained deterioration. The indirect responses on either plane of nutrition were equal to the direct responses on the same plane. Hence selection for growth could be as well carried out in the environment in which the animal was to perform, as in any other environment. These results were discussed in relation to similar studies and to their practical implications.