Animal and Human Calorimetry

This volume provides a useful survey of the theory, practice and techniques of calorimetry.

J. A. McLean (Author), G. Tobin (Author)

9780521048859, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 3 December 2007

356 pages
22.8 x 15.2 x 2 cm, 0.546 kg

This volume provides a useful survey of the theory, practice and techniques of calorimetry as applied to the study of energy metabolism in humans and animals. Calorimetry is used to estimate nutritional requirements of man and farm livestock and to evaluate different foods. It is also a powerful tool used in research into fundamental nutritional and physiological life-processes and to evaluate stresses imposed by abnormal or severe environments. It is currently being applied in various branches of medical research and can be used as a diagnostic tool in hospitals for investigation of metabolic disorders. The volume encompasses both direct calorimetry, which measures heat loss directly, and indirect calorimetry, where heat loss is inferred by measurement of some of the chemical by-products of metabolism. In addition, guidance is provided to the instrumentation, technical problems and precautions necessary to obtain accurate calorimetric measurements. The volume will be essential for those scientists who practise or study calorimetry as part of their research: food scientists, clinical and non-clinical nutririonists, physiologists, veterinarians and agriculturalists.

List of principal symbols and abbreviations used
Preface
1. Introduction
2. Historical
3. Calorific equivalents
4. Indirect calorimeters
5. Direct calorimeters
6. Instrumentation
7. Calibrations and standards
8. Some complete open-circuit systems
Appendices
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Analytical chemistry [PNF]