Protein Quality Assessments Using In-vivo Experimental Model on Bambara Groundnut (<i>Vigna</i> <i>subterranea</i> (L.) verdc.) Formulated Diets

Bambara groundnut (<i>Vigna subterranea)</i> is a type of leguminous plant that thrives well in poor soil conditions and drought-prone areas and regions, making it an important crop for most subsistence farming practices and thus its capability to enhance food security in Africa. Studies have indicated and highlighted its resilience and ability to grow and be very productive even in harsh climates with minimal inputs and resources, which positions it as an important and sustainable crop for addressing food insecurity. However, despite its environmental resilience and nutritional potentials, this pulse still remains underutilized on the global market. This is particularly surprising given its rich nutrient profile, which makes it a valuable food source for health conscious consumers. Bambara Groundnut (<i>Vigna subterranea (L.) </i>verdc.) formulated diets were used in this nutrition work, with thirty (30) weaning wistar rats, comprising (six groups), including the test groups, the positive and the negative controls, in an in-vivo feeding experiment for 21 days, to determine the changes in growth, protein and important biochemical parameters. The results obtained showed that the dietary Feed Efficiency Ratio (FER) changes for the test groups ranges from 0.083 ± 0.03 for group 5 to 0.104 ± 0.03 for group 4; while the Net Protein Utilisation (NPU) ranges from 65.46 ±3.55 for group 5 to 81.70 ±2.78 for group 4. The Haematological parameters showed a hematocrit (PCV) for the test groups ranging from 34.95 ± 1.59% for group 6 to 42.63 ± 1.54% for group 5; while the RBC ranges from 6.65 ± 0.49 x 10<sup>9</sup> / L for group 6 to 8.36 ± 0. 34 x 10<sup>9</sup> / L for group 4. Liver Enzyme activity were highest (AST) for group 3 with 171.30 ± 1.40 U/L, (ALP) for group 4 with 26.66 ± 0.41 U/L and (ALT) for group 5 with 128.33 ± 3.15 U/L. The work reveals the potentials of Bambara groundnut to sustain growth and developments, enhances cognitive developments, especially in children and adolescents.