The effectiveness of whey proteins mixed with hot-water extract of Artemisia and Capparis spp. against lead acetate-contamination in rats

The protein quality of cassava-based complementary diets was assessed by feeding albino rats. Hematological parameters were also evaluated. A basal diet (nitrogen-free) was formulated along with four different 10% protein diets and a casein diet as reference. The 48 weanling rats used in the experiment were divided into 6 groups of 8 rats each, and each group was allotted to the different diets. The rats were housed individually. In general, the protein quality indices of the diets showed some variations and the hematological parameters obtained for animals fed casein (reference) diet being significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the corresponding values for test diets. The protein efficiency ratio (2.37-2.45), biological value (90.12-93.52%), true digestibility (76.50-84.68%), net protein utilization (71.77-83.13%) and net protein ratio (3.53-3.67) of the diets indicated good growth promoting quality of the proteins. Hematological parameters of the rats fed the test diets were within the normal range. The study indicated good growth and development in rats fed with the blend, with no adverse biochemical or hematological effects, and therefore can be recommended as an ideal weaning food to improve the nutritional status of children and help solve problems associated with protein-energy malnutrition.