Dados do Trabalho

Título

INCORPORATION OF Wolffia brasiliensis IN ANIMAL FEED AND ITS EFFECTS IN MICE

Introdução

Some species of Wolffia genus are being used as alternative source of protein and other nutrients in Asia. However, there are no studies with the Brazilian species Wolffia brasiliensis to date. The objective of this work was the production of animal feed added with W. brasiliensis biomass and evaluation of consumption, weight, and some biochemical parameters in Swiss mice.

Material e Métodos

The approach consisted of incorporating W. brasiliensis biomass into the formulation of the maintenance diet based on casein protein, AIN-93M, and the compensations were made based on starch, protein and fiber content. The animals were divided into four groups containing twelve animals each (C- AIN-93 maintenance diet; 5% W. brasiliensis (W5), 10% W. brasiliensis (W10) and 20% W. brasiliensis (W20)). The diet treatments were carried out for 10 weeks, thus feed were assessed weekly as well as animals were weighed. Glycemic homeostasis was investigated using the ipGTT and ipITT tests, as well as fasting blood glucose. Liver, colon, brown adipose tissue, and white adipose tissue pads were isolated. Blood was collected and its serum was isolated for cholesterol and fraction analysis.

Resultados e Discussão

Besides the other group feed intake, significant differences were obtained from Control to W20 and from W10 to W20. In order to compare ipGTT test to the other group, a significant difference was observed from Control to W10 and from W5 to W10. There were not significant differences for adiposity and other organs weight, however there was a tendency towards colon enlargement in accordance with the percentage of W. brasiliensis increase in animals’ diet. Total cholesterol had a significant reduction from the control to W10 and W20.

Conclusão

This way, animal source protein compensation can be outweighted by replacing it with W. brasiliensis biomass, with acceptability among animal groups. The use of the plant in the diet presented a significant reduction in the animals' total cholesterol.