Development And Nutritional Quality Assessment of Weaning Food from Cereal Mix (Millet and Maize) Supplemented with Vegetable Ugu Leaves and Seed

Abstract

Weaning foods are family meals prepared for infants after six months of age, 
providing high energy density, essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals while 
maintaining palatability. In Nigeria, cereals and legumes have nutrient potentials 
that can complement each other if processed and blended. Poor infant feeding 
practices and maternal undernutrition are major risk factors for infant and early 
childhood mortality and morbidity. In developing countries, most children are 
affected by lack of food or inadequate energy and nutrients. Infant foods are often 
formulated from cereals with or without protein, leading to increased malnutrition 
due to insufficient quality and inadequate complementary food. The increasing cost 
of animal protein makes commercial infant food unaffordable, leading to the search 
for cheap and economical sources of protein. The research study aims to develop 
and access the nutritional quality of weaning food from cereal mix (maize and 
millet) supplemented with ugwu leaves and seed. Experimental dietary blends were 
formulated at different percentages, and samples were analyzed for proximate 
composition, minerals, Functional Properties, Sensory Evaluation, and animal 
bioassay. The results show that Diet 5, with 40% Maize, 40% Millet, and 20% Ugwu 
Seed is the most effective in promoting lab rat growth, protein efficiency, and food 
conversion efficiency. However, it is crucial to consider nutritional requirements and 
goals when choosing a diet for lab rats, as different diets may have varying effects 
on growth and efficiency. Further research and experimentation could explore the 
specific nutritional components contributing to the success of Diet 5 and refine the 
formulation for optimal results.