Two experiments were conducted utilizing male weanling Wistar rats weighing an average weights of 55g for the first experiment and 80g for the second. Rats were divided into control and experimental groups (6 animals per group) fed 10% casein or isolated soy-protein diets for three weeks.
The effects of two kinds of protein sources were compared on feed intake, body weight gain, feed efficiency, N efficiency, mineral (Ca, Mg, and P) balances for three weeks and bone (femur, and tibia and fibula of the right leg) weights and the content of Ca, Mg, and P in bone at the age of eight weeks.
(1) Body weight gain, feed efficiency, N efficiency and N retention were significantly lower in the isolated soy-protein group than in the casein group.
(2) There was no significant difference in Ca, Mg, P retention between two groups. In Experiment II, there were significant differences in digestibility and retention of Ca, and ratio of P retention between two groups.
(3) Bone weight and Ca, Mg and P in bone were lower in the isolated soy-protein group than in the casein group, especially in Experiment II which showed a significant difference.
(4) It may be considered that nutrient loss and/or increased phytate content in the isolated soyprotein occurred in the process of production.
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