Performance and serum parameters of rats fed on diets containing raw full-fat soybeans

Abstract

This work aimed to evaluate the replacement of egg white protein for raw soybean protein in diets for weaned rats on feed intake, body weight gain, feed efficiency and serum parameters (total protein, albumin, aminotransferases, urea, creatinine and pancreatic amylase). Twenty four weaned rats were randomly assigned to six groups of four animals which were fed diets containing five percentages of soybean protein (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%), plus a non-proteic diet group. Animals were kept for 10 days with food and water ad libitum. Results showed that feed intake did not differ significantly among treatments tested. Body weight gain and feed efficiency of rats treated with 25% substitution diets did not differ from the control group. Serum albumin, aminotransferases and creatinine were not affected by increased amounts of soybean in rations, whilst serum urea was affected by inclusion of soybean in diets in values equal or above 50%. Total protein and pancreatic amylase were affected when soybean was present at 75% or more. Regression analysis showed that egg white protein replacement by soybean protein at up to 30% did not affect the tested traits of the growing rats.