appreciation is extended to Dr. Robert J. Cousins and Mrs. 

 Linda Ambrose for allowing the author to work in their 

 laboratory for analysis of metallothionein, and to the rest of 

 the staff for their friendship. 



Special recognition is made to the staff of the Animal 

 Science Department and particularly Jack Stokes, Paul Dickson, 

 and Larry Eubanks for their help with the care and slaughter 

 of the animals. He also wishes to thank the faculty, staff, 

 and fellow graduate students of the Animal Science Department 

 who were always available for assistance and support. 



Acknowledgement is made to Dr. Bruce Johnson and Zinpro 

 Corporation, Edina, Minnesota, for their generosity in 

 providing financial support and zinc sources for this 

 research. 



Finally, the author wishes to recognize Ms. Marcia 

 Gallardo for her love and understanding during the completion 

 of this task. 



IV 



