Biochemical and Nutritional Evaluation of Irvingia gabonensis Flour and the Effect of its Supplementation on Growth Performance in Wistar Rats

Abstract

This study evaluated the nutritional characteristics of Irvingia gabonensis flour and assessed the effect of its dietary supplementation on growth performance and digestibility in Wistar rats. Fresh fruits of I. gabonensis were obtained from the local market in Man, Côte d’Ivoire, and processed into flour following kernel extraction, drying, and grinding. Twenty growing Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups of five animals each. The control group received a diet comprising 100% reference pelleted feed, whereas the experimental groups received diets containing 25%, 50%, and 75% I. gabonensis flour, respectively. The feeding trial lasted 28 days, with feed and water provided ad libitum. The proximate and mineral compositions of the flour were determined, and growth performance was assessed using body weight, feed intake, faecal output, and the digestibility index. Potassium was the predominant mineral in the flour, followed by phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, sodium, and iron. On day 28, rats fed diets containing 25% and 50% flour had higher final body weights than the control group, whereas the 75% formulation resulted in a lower final body weight despite increased feed intake. The digestibility index was higher in all supplemented groups than in the control group and was highest in the 75% formulation. The findings indicate that moderate inclusion of I. gabonensis flour may support feed intake and growth performance in Wistar rats under the conditions of this study.