Nutritional Value of Haitian Cereal-Legume Blends

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Abstract
The nutritional value of various beans indigenous to Haiti was evaluated in the rat, both as a sole source of protein and when blended with rice, sorghum, or corn. For the beans alone maximal PER and feed efficiency were observed at 15 to 18% dietary protein. Arnino acid supplementation of bean protein confirmed, in general, the deficiencies predicted from chemical analysis, the conspicuous exception being failure of added isoleucine to stimulate growth. Blends of beans with cereals showed maximal PER and feed efficiency when beans constituted 20 to 30% of the mixture, the higher level being particularly advantageous with sorghum. Amino acid supplementation of the blends resulted in growth responses generally predicted from chemical analysis. The quality of the protein in most of the blends was significantly inferior to casein, but comparable to Incaparina. The ability of the blends to contribute to human nutrient requirements other than for protein and calories was evaluated by comparing composition with National Research Council recommendations.

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