Production And Evaluation Of Complementary Food From Blends Of Acha (Digitaria Exilis), Groundnut (Arachis Hypogea) And Crayfish (Atacus Species)

ABSTRACT

Acha, (Digitaria exilis), groundnut (Arachis hypogea) and crayfish (Alacus species) were use for formulation of a complementary food at different ratios of 60:30:R (acha: groundnut: crayfish), 50:20:30 (acha: groundnut: crayfish) and 40:40:20 (acha: groundnut crayfish). A sample o0f 100 percent acha was also produced. The proximate composition and functional properties of the blends were analyzed. The blends were fed on the albino rats for a period of 2days. Growth rate of the rats were determined during the period of feeding at 3days intervals. At the end of the feeding, the animals were slaughtered and weighed and the gross legion examinations were carried out. From the result of the proximate composition; the moisture contents of the blends were high depicting that the storability of the blends would be low. The protein contents of the blends were sufficient enough to ensure growth and development in infants using albino rats as an experimental animal. The water absorption capacities were not high, likewise the oil absorption capacity. There was progressive increase in the weights of the animals. it was observe that the liver weights performed best in sample C (40:40:20 formulation) which means that the protein was adequate. The heart also performed best in sample C (40:40:20) which was attributed to the level of protein inclusion in it. Generally, in 60:30: 10 formulation and above, there was increase in weight of the animals and equally the internal organs.