Influence of Diets Containing Different Levels of Vicia faba L. as Source of Protein on Body Protein Composition and Nitrogen Balance of Growing Rats

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Abstract
Rats fed on V. faba as source of protein grew less than those fed a casein control diet. No differences were found in protein content of whole body, liver, muscle and myofibrillar fraction. N balance values were significantly higher in animals fed the casein diet than in those nourished with V. faba as source of protein. Minor differences due to the protein level of the diets were found. Retained N values were similar in all dietary groups. The inclusion of V. faba in the diet did not affect specifically muscle mass and protein distribution. Differences reported in N balance are probably a consequence, at least in part, of the impairment of growth, although some other factors must be involved in this phenomenon.