Nutritional evaluation of formulated Arachis hypogea L. and Anacardium occidentale L. supplemented feeds in weaning albino rats

Abstract

Malnutrition is still a serious public health problem in developing countries including Nigeria. This may be attributed to the deficiency of vital nutrients, especially in weaning foods for infants. The current study evaluated the nutritional importance of two formulations: Arachis hypogea and Anarcardium occidentale supplemented feeds in weaning rats. The proximate composition analysis of the formulated Arachis hypogea and Anarcardium supplemented feeds contained significantly (P<0.05) high amounts of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. There were also significantly (P<0.05) high levels of amino acids; lysine, arginine, methionine, histidine, leucine, tryptophan and phenylalanine, compared to the control. A total of 15 weaned albino rats were used in the experiment. The animals were divided into three groups; A, B and C. Group A was fed with standard feed while Groups B and C were fed with Arachis hypogea and Anarcardium occidentale supplemented feeds respectively, for 21 days, after which the blood samples were collected for biochemical and hematological assays using standard methods. The level of glucose, total proteins, albumin and globulin were significantly higher (P<0.05) compared to the control. The results of hematological parameters indicated significantly (P<0.05) increased packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (HB) and platelets (PLT), when compared to the control. These results indicated the nutritional significance of the two formulated feeds for complementation in weaning foods and infants’ nutrition.