The nutritive value of protein enriched cereal foods based on wheat, soybean and peanut flours and containing varying amounts of proteins.

The PER and overall nutritive value of three
compositions of protein enriched cereal foods (PECF I to
III) based on blends or wheat, soybean and peanut flours
and containing 22.6, 19.2 and 15.6% proteins have been
determined. The PER of PECF III (2.07) was significantly
lower than those of PECF I (2.30) and PECF II (2.21). The
mean gain in body weight of rats fed on diets containing
70% of PECF, 20% sugar and l0% fat were 74.2g, 61.8g and
53.4g (in 4 weeks) with PECF I, II and III respectively.
PECF I was superior to PECF II and III in its overall
growth promoting value. The results indicate that a
protein content of about 22% may be optimal for a protein
enriched cereal food meant for feeding pre-school children.