Abstract

Obimba, Kelechukwu Clarence

High quality weaning formulae SGMC and SMC (20% protein diets) prepared from available and affordable plants (soya bean, groundnut, maize, and fluted pumpkin green leaves) and animal sources (milk, catfish, and crayfish) were used in rehabilitating kwashiorkor-induced wistar albino rats in a comparative study. The experimental design for the treatment of kwashiorkor was a single factor, Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Administration of the weaning formulae to the kwashiokorinduced rats, caused a reversal of the earlier observed decreases in the parameters [White blood cell count (WBCTotal), True Digestibility (TD%) and Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER)], measured, in order of consecutive significant increase (pRd>SGMC/SMC. Results were recorded as values of mean ± S.D unit, of the SGMC/SMC diet groups, as follows: growth performance: (90.4 ± 0.5/87.0 ± 2.84 g), Liver weight (10.77 ± 1.05/10.47 ± 1.01 g), WBCTotal (5156.12 ± 60.3/5150. 2 ± 59.03 mm3 ), AST: (11.1 ± 0.05/10.95 ± 0.05 U/l), TD%: (97.0 ± 0.06/96.0 ± 0.07%), and PER: (2.44 ± 0.10/2.45 ± 0.16). The regressions, and correlation between growth performance (grams) and PER of the SGMC and SMC diet groups, were significant (p<0.05), with Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficients of 0.96 and 0.97, respectively. SGMC and SMC weaning formulae achieved the most rapid catch-up growth rates in the kwashiorkor-induced rats, and serve as prophylaxis and dietary therapy of protein energy malnutrition.