Effect of dietary restriction on plasma cholesterol and cholesterol excretion in the White Carneau pigeon.

The effect of short-term dietary restriction on plasma cholesterol and cholesterol balance was examined in young While Carneau pigeons. Dietary restriction of 1 month increased plasma cholesterol significantly and subsequently decreased to initial levels at 3 months. The fecal excretion of neutral sterols was significantly reduced (P less than 0.001) at both 1 and 3 months following dietary restriction, while the fecal excretion of bile acids showed no significant changes.