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Soya bean meal (SBM) and Soya bean protein lsolate( SOPI) were prepared from soya bean seeds. Based on the crude
protein content, infant weaner foods was formulated on the substitution of SBM with SOPI and compared with three
different commercial infant brand CFF, CFN and CFC, using weight gain,food conversion efficiency , relative organ weight
and blood (haematological) constituents as response criteria. The result showed that 100% substitution of SBM with SOPI
had the highest crude protein 16.6±0.1g/100g dry matter (DM) ,while among the commercial weaner foods CFC had the
highest 16.2±0.1g/100gDM. Infant weaner formulation of SBM or SPOI showed highest growth rate of
3.4±0.2g/rat/day,was in the rats fed diet in which 75%of dietary SBM was replaced with SOPI. The least growth
(1.1±0.2g/rat/day) was in the rat fed commercial foods coded CFN or CFF. The relative organ weight (g/kg body weight ) of
the liver ,kidney, spleen and heart of the rats were within normal ranges irrespective of whether they are fed SBM/SOPI or
commercial foods. Haematological assessment showed no significant differences (p≥ 0.05) between the rat fed SBM/SPOI
based diets and commercial brands with regards to the packed cell volume (PCV),red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell
(WBC) and haemoglobin concentration (Hbc). Gross pathological observation of organs using such vital signs as colour,
size,edge,and lesions revealed no abnormalities when compared with the controls.
Keywords: Soya bean meal; Soya bean protein lsolate; Performance; Nutrient utilization;haematological constituents.