Effect of Consumption of Three Compound Flours Based on Citrullus lanatus and Moringa oleifera on Feed Efficiency and Growth Parameters in Rats

Koffi Kouaho Samuel; Meite Alassane; Sangare Sidiki; Yeboue Kouame Hermann; Kati-Coulibaly Seraphin

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ijnfs.20261502.15

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| Peer-Reviewed

Effect of Consumption of Three Compound Flours Based on Citrullus lanatus and Moringa oleifera on Feed Efficiency and Growth Parameters in Rats

Koffi Kouaho Samuel^*

, Meite Alassane

, Sangare Sidiki

, Yeboue Kouame Hermann, Kati-Coulibaly Seraphin

Published in International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences (Volume 15, Issue 2)

Received: 11 March 2026 Accepted: 23 March 2026 Published: 14 April 2026

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Abstract

The well-being of infants depends mainly on the quality and quantity of the food they consume. The objective of this study is to develop a high-quality nutritional weaning flour from local resources that can support infant growth. With this in mind, an assessment of the nutritional quality of complementary food formulations based on corn, Citrullus lanatus squash, and Moringa oleifera was carried out in Wistar rats. Nutritional trials were conducted on 30 growing Wistar rats over a period of 21 days, divided into groups of six per batch and fed different diets. An MbCMo diet containing (75% raw yellow corn, 15% defatted Citrullus lanatus, 10% Moringa oleifera), an MfCMo diet containing (80% fermented yellow corn, 15% defatted Citrullus lanatus, 5% Moringa oleifera) and an MgCMo diet containing (75% germinated yellow corn, 15% defatted Citrullus lanatus, 10% Moringa oleifera). Commercial flour was used as the control diet. The results showed that the food efficiency coefficient (FEC), ranging from 0.31 ± 0.14 to 0.41 ± 0.05, and the protein efficiency coefficient (PEC) ranging from 1.92 ± 0.57 to 2.21 ± 0.28 for the formulated diets and the control diet were similar (p>0.05). However, the PEC of the formulated diets was lower than that recommended by the Protein Advisory Group (PAG) 2.10. Regarding digestive balance, the TDC (81.94 ± 0.54 to 101.3 ± 0.02), NPU (74.29 ± 0.01% to 97.33 ± 0.05%), and BV (84.29 ± 0.01 to 97.50 ± 0.01) varied (p<0.01) and were higher in rats on the MbCMo and MgCMo diets than in those in the control group. Protein retention (PR) was (p <0.01) higher in animals on the control diet (1.09 ± 0.01) than in those on the experimental diets (0.52 to 0.89 ± 0.01). This study revealed that the nutritional quality of the three formulations and that of the industrial control were different. The test formulations all contained good nutritional quality. The best protein quality was recorded with the MbCMo formulation. In view of the results obtained, these formulations could constitute appropriate foods for infants and prevent malnutrition.

Published in	International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences (Volume 15, Issue 2)
DOI	10.11648/j.ijnfs.20261502.15
Page(s)	64-69
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2026. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Malnutrition, Nutritional Parameters, Digestive Balance, FEC, PER, Wistar Rat

1. Introduction

The complementary feeding period (approximately 6 to 24 months) represents a major transition in the nutritional diet of infants and young children. From the age of six months, an infant's energy and nutritional needs far exceed what breast milk can provide, making it necessary to introduce complementary foods. Complementary foods accompany weaning and mark the gradual transition from an exclusively milk-based diet to a diversified, semi-solid, soft, or solid family diet

[1, 2]

This stage is crucial for the child's development. Complementary foods must be introduced at the right time, in sufficient quantities, safely and properly prepared to meet specific nutritional needs. Failure to do so may result in risks of stunted growth, mental development, mortality, and morbidity

[3]

. Inadequate growth patterns, such as disproportionate weight gain or fat accumulation, are strongly associated with childhood obesity

[4]

However, complementary feeding practices often remain suboptimal, particularly in low- and middle-income countries

[5]

, due to inaccessibility and inappropriate diets. Traditionally, corn and other cereals low in essential amino acids such as lysine and tryptophan are used to feed infants, limiting their optimal growth.

However, certain local plant resources can enrich these cereals through nutritional supplementation. Thus, the formulation of a high-nutritional-value infant weaning flour based on corn kernels, Citrullus lanatus seeds, and Moringa oleifera leaves could effectively support infant growth.

It is with this in mind that the present study was conducted, aiming to evaluate the nutritional quality of complementary food formulations based on these three ingredients in Wistar rats.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Materials

The plant material used in this study consists of squash seeds (Citrullus lanatus, Cucurbitaceae), Moringa oleifera leaves (Moringaceae), and corn kernels (Zea mays, Poaceae). The Moringa oleifera leaves were harvested at Felix Houphouet Boigny University, while the corn and Citrullus lanatus seeds were obtained at the Gouro market in the municipality of Adjame.

The experiment was conducted on thirty (30) growing Wistar rats (Rattus Norgervicus), with an average weight of 35.53 ± 0.84 g, from the vivarium of the Higher Normal School (HNS).

2.2. Methods

2.2.1. Animal Housing

The rats, divided into groups of six (06) per diet, will be selected on the basis of uniform weight and housed in individual metabolic cages. These cages will be installed in a specially equipped room, maintained at a controlled temperature between 25°C and 27°C, with a humidity level between 70% and 80%. The light cycle will be set to 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness in order to maintain optimal physiological conditions for the experiment.

2.2.2. Experimental Procedure

The animal experiment was conducted according to the method described by Adrian et al.

[6]

over a period of 21 days, preceded by a three-day acclimatization period. During this phase, the rats were fed commercial IVOGRAIN® pellets.

The study was conducted in two (02) phases: a 21-day growth period, followed by an assessment phase corresponding to the last five (05) days, devoted to the collection of biological and nutritional data.

2.2.3. Composition of Diets

The rats were fed five (05) different diets. The first group received the test diet, consisting of raw corn flour, defatted Citrullus lanatus, and Moringa oleifera (MbCMo). The second group was fed a diet based on germinated corn flour, defatted Citrullus lanatus, and Moringa oleifera (MgCMo). The third group of animals received a diet consisting of fermented corn flour, defatted Citrullus lanatus, and Moringa oleifera (MfCMo). The fourth group received the control diet, which was a protein-free diet. (Table 1).

Table 1. Composition of Diets for Rat Nutrition.

Ingredients(g)	Diets
Ingredients(g)	MbCMo	MgCMo	MfCMo
Raw corn	75
Sprouted corn		75
Fermented corn			80
Defatted Citrullus lanatus	15	15	15
Moringa oleifera	10	10	5
Total	100	100	100

MbCMo: diet based on raw corn, Citrullus lanatus delipidized, Moringa oleifera; MgCMo: diet based on germinated corn, Citrullus lanatus delipidized; MfCMo: diet based on fermented corn, Citrullus lanatus delipidized, Moringa oleifera

2.2.4. Measurement of Intake and Growth Parameters

The different diets were distributed once a day, in the form of puree or paste, obtained by adding 5 ml of water in order to limit waste during distribution. The dry matter content of the reconstituted products was measured daily on samples taken for this purpose.

The next day, before each new distribution, food refusals (leftovers and waste) were collected, weighed, and then dried in an oven at 70°C for 24 hours to determine the dry matter content. Food consumption was calculated as the difference between the quantities distributed and the refusals. The animals also received clean water, which was changed frequently and served ad libitum.

The rats were weighed at the start of the experiment, then every three days, with a final weighing at the end of the experimental period.

The amount of dry matter ingested (DMI), total protein ingested (TPI), Body Weight Gain (BWG), food efficiency coefficient (FEC), and protein efficiency coefficient (PEC) were obtained using the following formulas described by Pellett and Young

[7]

DM I (g/j) = \frac{\sum DMI}{Nombre de jours}

(1)

TPI (g/j) = DMI x percentage of protein in the diet(2)

BWG (g) = Final Weight (g) - Initial Weight (g)] / 21

(3)

FEC= \frac{Weight Gain (g)}{Total Dry Matter Intake (g)}

(4)

PEC= \frac{Weight Gain (g)}{Total Protein Intake (g)}

(5)

2.2.5. Measurement of Nitrogen Balance

The balance was measured during the last five days of the experiment

[7]

. During this phase, food remains and feces were collected individually for each rat and then weighed. Urine volume was measured using a graduated cylinder. The feces were then dehydrated in an oven at 70°C for 24 hours. To preserve the urine, a few drops of hydrochloric acid (HCl 0.1N) were added to the samples, which were then stored in a refrigerator at 4°C.

The apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC), true digestibility coefficient (TDC), protein retention (PR), net protein utilization (NPU) and biological value (BV) were obtained using the following formulas described by Pellett and Young

[7]

ADC = \frac{I - F}{I} X 100

(6)

TDC = \frac{I- (F - Fsp)}{I} X 100

(7)

PR = I - (F - Fsp)-(U – Usp)

(8)

NPU = \frac{I - (F - Fsp) - (U - Usp)}{I} X 100

(9)

BV = \frac{I - (F - Fsp) - (U - Usp)}{I - (F - Fsp)} X 100

(10)

I = ingested dietary protein

F = protein excreted in the feces of a subject other than the one on the protein-free diet.

Fsp = protein excreted in the feces of a subject on the protein-free diet.

U = protein excreted in the urine of a subject other than the one on the protein-free diet.

Usp = protein excreted in the urine of a subject on the protein-free diet.

2.2.6. Statistical Analyses

The results were expressed as means with standard deviations and subjected to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA 1) using R software version 4.4.3. Differences between means were evaluated using Tukey's test. Differences were considered statistically significant at a threshold of 0.05.

3. Results

3.1. Variation in Intake and Growth Parameters According to Test Diets

Table 2 shows the variations in intake and growth parameters of rats according to different diets. The dry matter intake (DMI) rate differs from one batch to another (p<0.01). The highest dry matter intake rate was recorded in the control group, at 6.84 g/day. The dry matter intake rates for the MbCMo, MgCMo, and MfCMo groups were similar. This rate was 1.6 points lower than that of the control group. In fact, the latter had an average dry matter intake of 5.2 g/day.

A significant difference was observed between the total protein intake (TPI) of the different groups of animals (p<0.01). The same observation was made, with the best rate being observed in the rats in the control group. These rats had a TPI rate of 1.25 g/day. The three groups that received experimental diets, namely MbCMo, MgCMo, and MfCMo, recorded similar TPI rates.

With regard to body weight gain (BWG), the three diets had the same effect, 1.55 g/day. The animals in the control group recorded a body weight gain 1.7 times higher than that of the other groups (p<0.01).

In terms of food efficiency coefficient (FEC), no variation was observed between the different groups of animals (p=0.36). The animals in the TMN, MbCMo, MgCMo, and MfCMo control groups recorded a feed conversion ratio of 0.36.

The same applies to the protein efficiency ratio (PEC), where a value of 1.96 was observed in animals from the different experimental groups (p=0.55).

Table 2. Average Value of Growth Characteristics in Rats.

Parameters	TMN	MbCMo	MgCMo	MfCMo	P-value
DMI (g)	6.84 ± 0.60^a	4,96 ± 0,53^b	4,81 ± 0,72^b	4,32 ± 0,84^b	˂ 0,01
TPI (g)	1.25 ± 0.11^a	0,92 ± 0,10^b	0,85 ± 0,13^b	0,76 ± 0,15^b	˂ 0,01
BWG (g)	2,76 ± 0,35^a	1,8± 0,08^b	1,44 ± 0,81^b	1,41 ± 0,30^b	˂ 0,01
FEC (g)	0,41 ± 0,05^a	0,38 ± 0,05^a	0,31 ± 0,14^a	0,33 ± 0,10^a	0,36
PEC (g)	2.21 ± 0,28^a	1,97 ± 0,27^a	1,74 ± 0,78^a	1,92 ± 0,57^a	0,55

The averages followed by the same letter are not significantly different at the 0.05 probability threshold, according to the TUKEY test.

3.2. Effect of Different Test Diets on Nitrogen Balance

Table 3 shows the results of nitrogen balance in rats fed different diets and the control diet. All nitrogen balance parameters are significantly different (P <0.01).

The ADC value of the different formulations ranged from 52.86 ± 0.02 to 73.91 ± 0.01. It is highest in rats fed the MbCMo diet (73.91 ± 0.01), followed by rats in the control group (68.75 ± 0.02) and lowest in rats fed the MfCMo diet (52.86 ± 0.02).

The TDC content of the MbCMo 101.3 ± 0.12, MgCMo 99.75 ± 0.01, and MfCMo 88.14 ± 0.01 diets was higher than that of rats fed the control diet 86.94 ± 0.32. As for protein retention (PR) in the diets, that of the control group (1.09 ± 0.01) was higher than that of the three formulated diets. Among the test diets, that of the MbCMo diet (0.89 ± 0.01) was the highest, followed by the MgCMo diet (0.73 ± 0.01).

NPU levels ranged from 74.29 ± 0.01 to 97.33 ± 0.05, and VB levels ranged from 84.29 ± 0.01 to 97.50 ± 0.01. Rats consuming the MgCMo and MbCMo diets had NPU and BV values of 97.33 ± 0.05 and 97.50 ± 0.01 and 96.74 ± 0.01 and 95.50 ± 0.01, respectively, higher than those of the control 80, 15 ± 0.01 for NPU and 92.37 ± 0.01 for BV, except for the value for rats in the MfCMo group.

Table 3. Nitrogen Balance Parameters.

Parameters	TMN	MbCMo	MgCMo	MfCMo P-value
ADC (%)	68,75 ± 0,03^b	73,91 ± 0,01^a	66,67 ± 0,01^c	52,86 ± 0,02^d <0,01
TDC (%)	86,94 ± 0,54^d	101,3 ± 0,02^a	99,75 ± 0,01^b	88,14 ± 0,02^c <0,01
PR (%)	1,09 ± 0,01^a	0,89 ± 0,01^b	0,73 ±0,01^c	0,52^d <0,01
NPU (%)	80,15 ± 0,01^c	96,74 ± 0,01^b	97,33 ± 0,05^a	74,29 ± 0,01^d <0,01
BV (%)	92,37 ± 0,01^c	95,50 ± 0,01^b	97,50 ± 0,01^a	84,29 ± 0,01^d <0,01

The averages followed by the same letter are not significantly different at the 0.05 probability threshold, according to the TUKEY test

4. Discussion

The test diets distributed to the animals promoted their growth to varying degrees, with higher rates in MbCMo than in MgCMo and MfCMo. The weight gain of the laboratory animals demonstrates the efficient use of dietary protein during organ development

[8]

and the efficient use of energy nutrients during adipose tissue growth. This is evidenced by the food efficiency coefficient of the diets.

The food efficiency coefficient reflects the degree to which a particular feed physiologically promotes an increase in the number and size of cells in the body's system. The FEC values show the food efficiency of the test diets in this study, which are significantly higher than those of corn-based diets enriched with defatted peanut powder and ginger

[9]

and also of the nine flours formulated from cereals, tubers, vegetables, and crayfish

[10]

Protein quality is linked to increased body weight, as indicated by the protein efficiency coefficient (PEC). There was no significant difference in the PEC of the three test diets compared to the control diet. The values obtained reflect the animals' efficient use of the protein in the diets. The PEC values of the test formulations in this study were higher than those of the three formulations B (1.89 ±0.01), C (1.90 ±0.02), and C (1.69 ±0.01) based on corn, soybean, and peanut enriched with Moringa oleifera powder

[11]

. However, compared to the work of Tiencheu et al.

[12]

, the PEC values of the diets formulated in this study are lower. Nevertheless, the PEC values of the samples in this study, except for the control, were lower, although within the same range as the value of 2.10

[13]

The true digestibility coefficient (TDC) values of the test diets, ranging from 88.14 to 101.3%, are well above 70%. This reflects the ability of the diets to maximize energy requirements. Digestibility shows the potential protein rate that can be useful to the body. The true digestibility coefficient obtained in this study are comparable to the values (84.36 ± 3.41% to 97.13 ± 0.46%) obtained for normal breads and compound breads containing defatted Citrullus lanatus (Cucurbitaceae) seed flour

[14]

and cereal and vegetable based weaning diets, ranging from 89.11 to 92.44%

[15]

, as well as those based on corn, defatted peanuts, and ginger, ranging from 78.29 to 84.44%

[9]

. Therefore, the good quality of the dietary proteins analyzed, as well as their good digestibility, can be inferred.

The net protein utilization (NPU) of the diets tested was 96.74% for MbCMo, 97.33% for MgCMo, and 74.29% for MfCMo. The NPU values in this study are higher than those of the RDG (78.40%), GDG (78.40%), and FDG (78.44%) diets formulated from corn enriched with defatted peanut powder and ginger

[9]

. Protein utilization is determined by the proportion of protein nitrogen absorbed, but also by the amino acid composition of the diet. These results may also explain the good digestibility of the proteins in the different diets.

The bioavailability of dietary proteins in the body is expressed by the biological value (BV). The MbCMo (95.50 ± 0.01%) and MgCMo (97.50 ± 0.01%) diets showed a higher biological value than the control (92.37 ± 0.01%). These higher biological values could be justified by the balance of essential amino acids in the diets. These values confirm the good use of protein in these diets. The biological values of the diets established in the work of Ijarotimi

[9]

are lower than those in this study.

5. Conclusion

In summary, this study shows that the three formulations produced are acceptable and have good protein index qualities in rats. Given this, they could be used as a complementary food, particularly in regions where corn is a staple food.

However, in order to better promote processed food products, further studies would be needed to evaluate the physiological effect of composite flours and determine the organoleptic characteristics of composite flours.

Abbreviations

ADC	Apparent Digestibility Coefficient
BV	Biological Value
BWG	Body Weight Gain
DMI	Dry Matter Ingested
FEC	Food Efficiency Coefficient
HNS	Higher Normal School
NPU	Net Protein Utilization
PAG	Protein Advisory Group
PEC	protein Efficiency Coefficient
PR	Protein Retention
TDC	True Digestibility Coefficient
TPI	Total Protein Ingested
HCL	Hydrochloric Acid

Author Contributions

Koffi Kouaho Samuel: Data curation, Investigation, Visualization, Writing – original draft

Meite Alassane: Conceptualization, Supervision, Writing – review & editing

Sangare Sidiki: Supervision, Methodology, Writing – review & editing

Yeboue Kouame Hermann: Formal Analysis, Resources

Kati-Coulibaly Seraphin: Conceptualization, Validation

Conflicts of Interest

The author declares that there are no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this study.

References

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[2]	UNICEF, 2020. Improving Young Children’s Diets during the Complementary Feeding Period; UNICEF Programming Guidance: New York, NY, USA.
[3]	WHO, 2025. Complementary Feeding. Available online: https://www.who.int/health-topics/complementary-feeding#tab=tab_1 (accessed on 04 September 2025).
[4]	Zheng, M., Lamb, K. E., Grimes, C., Laws, R., Bolton, K., Ong, K. K. and Campbell, K., 2018. Rapid weight gain during infancy and subsequent adiposity: A systematic review and meta- analysis of evidence. Obesity Reviews, 19, 321-332. https://doi.org/10.1111/obr.12632
[5]	Issaka, A., Agho, K., Page, A., Burns, P., Stevens, G. and Dibley, M., 2015. The problem of suboptimal complementary feeding practices in West Africa: What is the way forward? Maternal & Child Nutrition, 11, 53-60. https://doi.org/10.1111/mcn.12195
[6]	Adrian J., Rahache M. and Fragne, R., 1991. “Nutritional Analysis Technique. In: Principles of Analysis Techniques.” Ed. Lavoisier Tec Et Doc, Paris (France), Pp: 451-478.
[7]	Pellet, P. L. and Young, V. R., 1980. A Procedure for determination of Net Protein Utilization using Tats-Body nitrogen technique. In Nutritional Evaluation of Protein Food, United Nations University World Hunger Program. Food and Nutrition Bulletin Supplement, 4, 169.
[8]	Bouafou, K. G. M., Kouamé, K. G. and Offoumou, A. M., 2007. Nitrogen balance in growing rats fed dried maggot meal. Tropicultura, 25 (2), 70-74. https://popups.uliege.be/2295-8010/
[9]	Ijarotimi O. S., 2022. Nutritional quality, functional properties, and acceptability of corn (Zea mays)-based complementary foods enriched with defatted peanut powder (Arachis hypogea L.) and ginger (Zinger officinale Roscoe) in Wistar rats. Food Prod Process and Nutrition 4 (13). https://doi.org/10.1186/s43014-022-00091-3
[10]	Achidi, A. U., Bernard, T., Noel, T., Hilaire, M. W., Marcel, N. M., Lucy, T. E. and Fossi, T., 2016. Quality evaluation of nine instant weaning foods formulated from cereal, legume, tuber, vegetable and crayfish. International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition Engineering, 6(2), 21-31. https://doi.org/10.5923/j.food.20160602.01
[11]	Shiriki, D., Igyor, M. A. and Gernah, D. I., 2015. Nutritional evaluation of complementary food formulations based on corn, soybeans, and peanuts enriched with Moringa oleifera leaf powder. Food and Nutrition Sciences, 6(05), 494-500. https://doi.org/10.4236/fns.2015.65051
[12]	Tiencheu, B., Aduni, U. A., Bertrand, T. F., Noel, T., Eurydice, F., Tiepma, N. and Hilaire, M., 2016. Formulation and Nutritional Evaluation of Instant Weaning Foods Processed from Maize (Zea mays), Pawpaw (Carica papaya), Red Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) and Mackerel Fish Meal (Scomber scombrus). American Journal of Food Science and Technology, 4(5), 149-159. https://doi.org/10.12691/ajfst-4-5-5
[13]	Protein Advisory Group (PAG), 1972. Guidelines of Protein Rich Mixture For Use In Weaning Foods. Protein Advisory Group. New York.
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Samuel, K. K., Alassane, M., Sidiki, S., Hermann, Y. K., Seraphin, K. (2026). Effect of Consumption of Three Compound Flours Based on Citrullus lanatus and Moringa oleifera on Feed Efficiency and Growth Parameters in Rats. International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences, 15(2), 64-69. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnfs.20261502.15

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Samuel, K. K.; Alassane, M.; Sidiki, S.; Hermann, Y. K.; Seraphin, K. Effect of Consumption of Three Compound Flours Based on Citrullus lanatus and Moringa oleifera on Feed Efficiency and Growth Parameters in Rats. Int. J. Nutr. Food Sci. 2026, 15(2), 64-69. doi: 10.11648/j.ijnfs.20261502.15

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AMA Style

Samuel KK, Alassane M, Sidiki S, Hermann YK, Seraphin K. Effect of Consumption of Three Compound Flours Based on Citrullus lanatus and Moringa oleifera on Feed Efficiency and Growth Parameters in Rats. Int J Nutr Food Sci. 2026;15(2):64-69. doi: 10.11648/j.ijnfs.20261502.15

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@article{10.11648/j.ijnfs.20261502.15,
  author = {Koffi Kouaho Samuel and Meite Alassane and Sangare Sidiki and Yeboue Kouame Hermann and Kati-Coulibaly Seraphin},
  title = {Effect of Consumption of Three Compound Flours Based on Citrullus lanatus and Moringa oleifera on Feed Efficiency and Growth Parameters in Rats},
  journal = {International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences},
  volume = {15},
  number = {2},
  pages = {64-69},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijnfs.20261502.15},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnfs.20261502.15},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijnfs.20261502.15},
  abstract = {The well-being of infants depends mainly on the quality and quantity of the food they consume. The objective of this study is to develop a high-quality nutritional weaning flour from local resources that can support infant growth. With this in mind, an assessment of the nutritional quality of complementary food formulations based on corn, Citrullus lanatus squash, and Moringa oleifera was carried out in Wistar rats. Nutritional trials were conducted on 30 growing Wistar rats over a period of 21 days, divided into groups of six per batch and fed different diets. An MbCMo diet containing (75% raw yellow corn, 15% defatted Citrullus lanatus, 10% Moringa oleifera), an MfCMo diet containing (80% fermented yellow corn, 15% defatted Citrullus lanatus, 5% Moringa oleifera) and an MgCMo diet containing (75% germinated yellow corn, 15% defatted Citrullus lanatus, 10% Moringa oleifera). Commercial flour was used as the control diet. The results showed that the food efficiency coefficient (FEC), ranging from 0.31 ± 0.14 to 0.41 ± 0.05, and the protein efficiency coefficient (PEC) ranging from 1.92 ± 0.57 to 2.21 ± 0.28 for the formulated diets and the control diet were similar (p>0.05). However, the PEC of the formulated diets was lower than that recommended by the Protein Advisory Group (PAG) 2.10. Regarding digestive balance, the TDC (81.94 ± 0.54 to 101.3 ± 0.02), NPU (74.29 ± 0.01% to 97.33 ± 0.05%), and BV (84.29 ± 0.01 to 97.50 ± 0.01) varied (p<0.01) and were higher in rats on the MbCMo and MgCMo diets than in those in the control group. Protein retention (PR) was (p <0.01) higher in animals on the control diet (1.09 ± 0.01) than in those on the experimental diets (0.52 to 0.89 ± 0.01). This study revealed that the nutritional quality of the three formulations and that of the industrial control were different. The test formulations all contained good nutritional quality. The best protein quality was recorded with the MbCMo formulation. In view of the results obtained, these formulations could constitute appropriate foods for infants and prevent malnutrition.},
 year = {2026}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Effect of Consumption of Three Compound Flours Based on Citrullus lanatus and Moringa oleifera on Feed Efficiency and Growth Parameters in Rats
AU  - Koffi Kouaho Samuel
AU  - Meite Alassane
AU  - Sangare Sidiki
AU  - Yeboue Kouame Hermann
AU  - Kati-Coulibaly Seraphin
Y1  - 2026/04/14
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnfs.20261502.15
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijnfs.20261502.15
T2  - International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences
JF  - International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences
JO  - International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences
SP  - 64
EP  - 69
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2327-2716
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnfs.20261502.15
AB  - The well-being of infants depends mainly on the quality and quantity of the food they consume. The objective of this study is to develop a high-quality nutritional weaning flour from local resources that can support infant growth. With this in mind, an assessment of the nutritional quality of complementary food formulations based on corn, Citrullus lanatus squash, and Moringa oleifera was carried out in Wistar rats. Nutritional trials were conducted on 30 growing Wistar rats over a period of 21 days, divided into groups of six per batch and fed different diets. An MbCMo diet containing (75% raw yellow corn, 15% defatted Citrullus lanatus, 10% Moringa oleifera), an MfCMo diet containing (80% fermented yellow corn, 15% defatted Citrullus lanatus, 5% Moringa oleifera) and an MgCMo diet containing (75% germinated yellow corn, 15% defatted Citrullus lanatus, 10% Moringa oleifera). Commercial flour was used as the control diet. The results showed that the food efficiency coefficient (FEC), ranging from 0.31 ± 0.14 to 0.41 ± 0.05, and the protein efficiency coefficient (PEC) ranging from 1.92 ± 0.57 to 2.21 ± 0.28 for the formulated diets and the control diet were similar (p>0.05). However, the PEC of the formulated diets was lower than that recommended by the Protein Advisory Group (PAG) 2.10. Regarding digestive balance, the TDC (81.94 ± 0.54 to 101.3 ± 0.02), NPU (74.29 ± 0.01% to 97.33 ± 0.05%), and BV (84.29 ± 0.01 to 97.50 ± 0.01) varied (p<0.01) and were higher in rats on the MbCMo and MgCMo diets than in those in the control group. Protein retention (PR) was (p <0.01) higher in animals on the control diet (1.09 ± 0.01) than in those on the experimental diets (0.52 to 0.89 ± 0.01). This study revealed that the nutritional quality of the three formulations and that of the industrial control were different. The test formulations all contained good nutritional quality. The best protein quality was recorded with the MbCMo formulation. In view of the results obtained, these formulations could constitute appropriate foods for infants and prevent malnutrition.
VL  - 15
IS  - 2
ER  -

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Koffi Kouaho Samuel

Doctoral School of Environmental Biology and Health, Felix Houphouet-Boigny University, Abidjan, Ivory Coast

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http://orcid.org/0009-0000-1681-8438
Meite Alassane

Applied Biology and Health, Felix Houphouet-Boigny University, Abidjan, Ivory Coast

http://orcid.org/0009-0003-5127-014X
Sangare Sidiki

Applied Biology and Health, Felix Houphouet-Boigny University, Abidjan, Ivory Coast

http://orcid.org/0009-0008-4141-0598
Yeboue Kouame Hermann

Applied Biology and Health, Felix Houphouet-Boigny University, Abidjan, Ivory Coast
Kati-Coulibaly Seraphin

Applied Biology and Health, Felix Houphouet-Boigny University, Abidjan, Ivory Coast

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Samuel, K. K., Alassane, M., Sidiki, S., Hermann, Y. K., Seraphin, K. (2026). Effect of Consumption of Three Compound Flours Based on Citrullus lanatus and Moringa oleifera on Feed Efficiency and Growth Parameters in Rats. International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences, 15(2), 64-69. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnfs.20261502.15

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ACS Style

Samuel, K. K.; Alassane, M.; Sidiki, S.; Hermann, Y. K.; Seraphin, K. Effect of Consumption of Three Compound Flours Based on Citrullus lanatus and Moringa oleifera on Feed Efficiency and Growth Parameters in Rats. Int. J. Nutr. Food Sci. 2026, 15(2), 64-69. doi: 10.11648/j.ijnfs.20261502.15

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AMA Style

Samuel KK, Alassane M, Sidiki S, Hermann YK, Seraphin K. Effect of Consumption of Three Compound Flours Based on Citrullus lanatus and Moringa oleifera on Feed Efficiency and Growth Parameters in Rats. Int J Nutr Food Sci. 2026;15(2):64-69. doi: 10.11648/j.ijnfs.20261502.15

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@article{10.11648/j.ijnfs.20261502.15,
  author = {Koffi Kouaho Samuel and Meite Alassane and Sangare Sidiki and Yeboue Kouame Hermann and Kati-Coulibaly Seraphin},
  title = {Effect of Consumption of Three Compound Flours Based on Citrullus lanatus and Moringa oleifera on Feed Efficiency and Growth Parameters in Rats},
  journal = {International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences},
  volume = {15},
  number = {2},
  pages = {64-69},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijnfs.20261502.15},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnfs.20261502.15},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijnfs.20261502.15},
  abstract = {The well-being of infants depends mainly on the quality and quantity of the food they consume. The objective of this study is to develop a high-quality nutritional weaning flour from local resources that can support infant growth. With this in mind, an assessment of the nutritional quality of complementary food formulations based on corn, Citrullus lanatus squash, and Moringa oleifera was carried out in Wistar rats. Nutritional trials were conducted on 30 growing Wistar rats over a period of 21 days, divided into groups of six per batch and fed different diets. An MbCMo diet containing (75% raw yellow corn, 15% defatted Citrullus lanatus, 10% Moringa oleifera), an MfCMo diet containing (80% fermented yellow corn, 15% defatted Citrullus lanatus, 5% Moringa oleifera) and an MgCMo diet containing (75% germinated yellow corn, 15% defatted Citrullus lanatus, 10% Moringa oleifera). Commercial flour was used as the control diet. The results showed that the food efficiency coefficient (FEC), ranging from 0.31 ± 0.14 to 0.41 ± 0.05, and the protein efficiency coefficient (PEC) ranging from 1.92 ± 0.57 to 2.21 ± 0.28 for the formulated diets and the control diet were similar (p>0.05). However, the PEC of the formulated diets was lower than that recommended by the Protein Advisory Group (PAG) 2.10. Regarding digestive balance, the TDC (81.94 ± 0.54 to 101.3 ± 0.02), NPU (74.29 ± 0.01% to 97.33 ± 0.05%), and BV (84.29 ± 0.01 to 97.50 ± 0.01) varied (p<0.01) and were higher in rats on the MbCMo and MgCMo diets than in those in the control group. Protein retention (PR) was (p <0.01) higher in animals on the control diet (1.09 ± 0.01) than in those on the experimental diets (0.52 to 0.89 ± 0.01). This study revealed that the nutritional quality of the three formulations and that of the industrial control were different. The test formulations all contained good nutritional quality. The best protein quality was recorded with the MbCMo formulation. In view of the results obtained, these formulations could constitute appropriate foods for infants and prevent malnutrition.},
 year = {2026}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Effect of Consumption of Three Compound Flours Based on Citrullus lanatus and Moringa oleifera on Feed Efficiency and Growth Parameters in Rats
AU  - Koffi Kouaho Samuel
AU  - Meite Alassane
AU  - Sangare Sidiki
AU  - Yeboue Kouame Hermann
AU  - Kati-Coulibaly Seraphin
Y1  - 2026/04/14
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnfs.20261502.15
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijnfs.20261502.15
T2  - International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences
JF  - International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences
JO  - International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences
SP  - 64
EP  - 69
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2327-2716
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijnfs.20261502.15
AB  - The well-being of infants depends mainly on the quality and quantity of the food they consume. The objective of this study is to develop a high-quality nutritional weaning flour from local resources that can support infant growth. With this in mind, an assessment of the nutritional quality of complementary food formulations based on corn, Citrullus lanatus squash, and Moringa oleifera was carried out in Wistar rats. Nutritional trials were conducted on 30 growing Wistar rats over a period of 21 days, divided into groups of six per batch and fed different diets. An MbCMo diet containing (75% raw yellow corn, 15% defatted Citrullus lanatus, 10% Moringa oleifera), an MfCMo diet containing (80% fermented yellow corn, 15% defatted Citrullus lanatus, 5% Moringa oleifera) and an MgCMo diet containing (75% germinated yellow corn, 15% defatted Citrullus lanatus, 10% Moringa oleifera). Commercial flour was used as the control diet. The results showed that the food efficiency coefficient (FEC), ranging from 0.31 ± 0.14 to 0.41 ± 0.05, and the protein efficiency coefficient (PEC) ranging from 1.92 ± 0.57 to 2.21 ± 0.28 for the formulated diets and the control diet were similar (p>0.05). However, the PEC of the formulated diets was lower than that recommended by the Protein Advisory Group (PAG) 2.10. Regarding digestive balance, the TDC (81.94 ± 0.54 to 101.3 ± 0.02), NPU (74.29 ± 0.01% to 97.33 ± 0.05%), and BV (84.29 ± 0.01 to 97.50 ± 0.01) varied (p<0.01) and were higher in rats on the MbCMo and MgCMo diets than in those in the control group. Protein retention (PR) was (p <0.01) higher in animals on the control diet (1.09 ± 0.01) than in those on the experimental diets (0.52 to 0.89 ± 0.01). This study revealed that the nutritional quality of the three formulations and that of the industrial control were different. The test formulations all contained good nutritional quality. The best protein quality was recorded with the MbCMo formulation. In view of the results obtained, these formulations could constitute appropriate foods for infants and prevent malnutrition.
VL  - 15
IS  - 2
ER  -

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