Spirulina acceptability trials in rats. A study for the "MELISSA" life-support system.
Groups of five rats were fed for sixteen weeks a slightly deficient diet, supplemented with 0-40% of a dried preparation of the blue-green alga Spirulina as a protein source. Control groups were fed a normal rat diet.  No significant differences between groups were found in food intake, growth rate or carbon dioxide production. All animals remained apparently healthy, and had similar organ weights. The study suggests that Spirulina may be used as a protein source in rat diets.
Tranquille
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Gaubius Laboratory, Leiden, The Netherlands.
Emeis
J J
JJ
de Chambure
D
D
Binot
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R
Tamponnet
C
C
D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000378:metabolism; D000458:Cyanobacteria; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004435:Eating; D018504:Ecological Systems, Closed; D005526:Food, Formulated; D006321:Heart / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D007668:Kidney / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D008021:Life Support Systems; D008099:Liver / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D008168:Lung / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D008297:Male; D009753:Nutritive Value; D009929:Organ Size; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar
D004044:Dietary Proteins; D002245:Carbon Dioxide