title: Nutritional and physiological responses of young growing rats to diets containing raw cowpea seed meal, protein isolate (globulins), or starch.
abstract: The nutritional and physiological effects of raw cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp.) seed meal, protein isolate (globulins), or starch on the metabolism of young growing rats have been evaluated in 14-day trials. Wet and dry weight gain, feed conversion efficiency, and lipid and protein accretion were significantly reduced as a result of inclusion of seed meal, globulins, or starch in the diet, with growth retardation being most marked with the seed meal. The proportional weights of the small intestine and pancreas were increased by meal diets, and serum cholesterol levels were slightly reduced. The globulins and raw starch also increased relative small intestine weights but had no effect on the pancreas or serum constituents. The effects of cowpeas on rats appeared to be due primarily to the combined actions of globulins, resistant starches, protease inhibitors, and possibly fiber and non-starch polysaccharides on intestinal and systemic metabolism.
authors.affiliation: Rowett Research Institute, Greenburn Road, Bucksburn, Aberdeen AB21 9SB, Scotland, UK.
authors.forename: Leticia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Olivera
authors.forename: Rossana Rodriguez
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Canul
authors.forename: Fabiola
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Pereira-Pacheco
authors.forename: Joanna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cockburn
authors.forename: Florinda
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Soldani
authors.forename: Norma H
authors.initials: NH
authors.lastname: McKenzie
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Duncan
authors.forename: Miguel A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Olvera-Novoa
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Grant
mesh_terms: D000824:Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D000818:Animals; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007887:Fabaceae; D007421:Intestine, Small / Q000254:growth & development; D008297:Male; D009929:Organ Size; D010179:Pancreas / Q000254:growth & development; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D051381:Rats; D012639:Seeds; D013213:Starch / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D015430:Weight Gain
chemical_list: D004044:Dietary Proteins; D010940:Plant Proteins; D013213:Starch; D002784:Cholesterol