Near-infrared spectroscopy method for rapid proximate quantitative analysis of nutrient composition in Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas

Glycogen,amino acids,fatty acids,and other nutrient components affect the flavor and nutritional quality of oysters.Methods based on near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy(NIRS)were developed to rapidly and proximately determine the nutrient content of the Pacific oyster Crassostreagigas.Samples of C.gigas from 19 costal sites were freeze-dried,ground,and scanned for spectral data collection using a Fourier transform NIR spectrometer(Thermo Fisher Scientific).NIRS models of glycogen and other nutrients were established using partial least squares,multiplication scattering correction first-order derivation,and Norris smoothing.The R_(C) values of the glycogen,fatty acids,amino acids,and taurine NIRS models were 0.9678,0.9312,0.9132,and 0.8928,respectively,and the residual prediction deviation(RPD)values of these components were 3.15,2.16,3.11,and 1.59,respectively,indicating a high correlation between the predicted and observed values,and that the models can be used in practice.The models were used to evaluate the nutrient compositions of 1278 oyster samples.Glycogen content was found to be positively correlated with fatty acids and negatively correlated with amino acids.The glycogen,amino acid,and taurine levels of C.gigas cultured in the subtidal and intertidal zones were also significantly different.This study suggests that C.gigas NIRS models can be a cost-effective alternative to traditional methods for the rapid and proximate analysis of various slaughter traits and may also contribute to future genetic and breeding-related studies in Pacific oysters.

Coconut oil research:Past,present,and future directions

Coconut oil contains a rich amount of medium-chain fatty acids,including lauric acid,decanoic acid,and octanoic acid,as well as the corresponding medium-chain triglycerides.It possesses functional attributes such as facile digestion and absorption,as well as antibacterial and antioxidant properties.The study utilized the Citespace and VOSviewer visual analysis software to examine the quantity of published papers,authors,publishing institutions,research hotspots and frontiers of 3442 effective literatures on the theme of"coconut oil"in the Web of Science(WoS)Core Collection database.The research on coconut oil can be condensed into four primary sections:(1)investigation and utilization of physiochemical characteristics of coconut oil,(2)analysis of nutritional composition and study of the effectiveness of coconut oil,(3)identification of adulteration in coconut oil,(4)evaluation of the impact of coconut oil as a dietary supplement on animal metabolism.Additionally,research focal points have evolved in three distinct phases.Prior to 2008,numerous studies were conducted to investigate the precise fatty acid makeup of coconut oil and its potential for lowering cholesterol levels.From 2009 to 2016,significant emphasis was placed on examining the impact of coconut oil on methane production in ruminants.Between 2018 to 2023,the main focus will be on investigating how nanoparticles can alter the properties of coconut oil.In the future,the anticipated research areas of interest are expected to focus on the rapid detection method of coconut oil,the efficacy of coconut oil and the advancement of coconut resources.The objective of this review is to provide researchers with relevant information about coconut oil,aiming to foster the continued growth of the coconut oil industry.

Comparative Analysis of Nutrient Composition of Caulerpa lentillifera from Different Regions

This study investigated the difference of nutrient composition in Caulerpa lentillifera collected from different regions.The nutrient compositions of C.lentillifera from China's Hainan and Shandong provinces were determined and compared with those from Semporna(Malaysia),Sabah(Malaysia),Petchburi(Thailand),and two other species of seaweeds(Malaysia).The results showed that the polysaccharide and protein contents of C.lentillifera from Hainan(44.82%±0.98%and 12.5%±0.70%),Shandong(43.22%±1.42%and 14.7%±0.72%),Petchburi(59.27%±2.31%and 12.49%±0.30%),and Sabah(44.02%±2.01%and 19.38%±1.48%)were higher than those of Eucheuma cottonii(26.49%±3.01%and 9.76%±1.33%)and Sargassum polycystum(33.49%±1.70%and 5.40%±0.07%),respectively.The polyunsaturated fatty acid contents in C.lentillifera from Hainan(29.98%)and Shandong(22.11%)were higher than that in Semporna(16.76%±0.27%),Sabah(9.49%),and S.polycystum(20.34%±0.43%),but lower than that in E.cottonii(51.55%±0.57%).In Caulerpa lentillifera of Hainan and Shandong provinces,the essential amino acid(EAA)/total amino acid(TAA)ratios were 35.22%and 38.78%,respectively;and the EAA/ETAA ratios were 54.36%and 63.35%,respectively.The EAA composition of C.lentillifera was close to the ideal model of Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization.C.lentillifera was rich in mineral elements,including calcium((3315.85±127.55)mg(100 g)^-1 and(3728.35±92.38)mg(100 g)^-1),magnesium((6715.74±82.58)mg(100 g)^-1 and(8128.59±242.72)mg(100 g)^-1),and trace elements,including iron((510.65±5.47)mg(100 g)^-1 and(1972.97±183.35)mg(100 g)^-1),selenium((1.04±0.08)mg(100 g)^-1 and(0.83±0.15)mg(100 g)^-1),and zinc((33.90±0.13)mg(100 g)^-1 and(11.75±2.05)mg(100 g)^-1).These results showed that C.lentillifera was more nutritious than S.polycystum or E.cottonii in terms of polysaccharide,protein,and fatty acid contents.Furthermore,both C.lentillifera species collected from Hainan and Shandong provinces show more basic nutrients.Therefore,C.lentillifera has important development and application prospects.

Effect of Long-Term Low-Salinity Culture on the Survival, Growth, and Nutrient Composition of Mud Crab Scylla paramamosain

This study investigated the effects of long-term low-salinity on the growth performance,proximate composition,amino acid and fatty acid profiles of Scylla paramamosain.The salinity of the low-salinity-culture group(LC)and maintained-salinity-cul-ture group(MC)were set at 5 and 25 respectively.After rearing for 30 d,the survival rate(SR)of the LC group was significantly lower,whereas the average daily molting frequency(ADMF)was significantly higher than those in MC group(P<0.05).There were no significant difference for weight gain rate(WGR)and specific growth rate(SGR)between the two groups.The moisture content of the LC group was slightly higher than the MC group without significant difference.The contents of ash,crude lipid and crude pro-tein in the LC group were lower than those in the MC group,but no significant differences were found except for ash content.A total of 17 free amino acids and 23 fatty acids were identified from the muscle of S.paramamosain.The total amino acids(TAA),essen-tial amino acids(EAA)and essential amino acid index(EAAI)had no significant difference between the two groups.The crabs from LC group had a significantly higher HUFA,including EPA,DHA,ARA.The percentage of n-3 PUFA and the ratio of n-3/n-6 PUFA were significantly higher in the LC group.These results indicated that S.paramamosain rearing at low salinity had significantly de-creased SR;however,the low-salinity environment significantly promoted the accumulation of unsaturated fatty acids(UFAs),espe-cially the n-3 PUFA,which might be related to the osmoregulation mechanism.

Nutrient Enrichment Regulates the Growth and Physiological Responses of Saccharina japonica to Ocean Acidification

Environmental changes,such as ocean acidification and eutrophication,have created threats to kelp mariculture.In this study,the growth,photosynthesis,respiration and nutrient composition of Saccharina japonica were evaluated at different levels of pCO2(400 and 800μL L−1)and nutrients(nutrient-enriched and non-enriched seawater).Elevated pCO2 decreased the relative growth rate(RGR),net photosynthetic rate and contents of tissue carbon and tissue nitrogen under non-enriched nutrient conditions,but it had no significant effect on these parameters under nutrient-enriched conditions.The dark respiration rate was positively affected by elevated pCO2 regardless of the nutrient conditions.However,the C:N was unaffected by elevated pCO2 at both nutrient levels.These results implied that ocean acidification could reduce the production and nutrient contents in the tissues of S.japonica,which was associated with nutrient conditions.

Influence of Altitude on Nutritional Compositions of Wild Native Elymus on Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau of China

Wild native Elymus(Elymus dahuricus)is one of the most important and valuable forage grass on Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau(QTP)pasture of China.It mainly distributes above sea-level of 1700 to 3000 m on the QTP.The objective of this study was to investigate how the nutritive composition of Elymus responsed to the changes of altitude in local environments.Two test sites located at Minghe and Huangzhong counties,in which four sampling plots were arranged with sea levels of 1714,1872,2097 and 2185 m in Minhe County,while other four in Huangzhong County were with sea-level of 2560,2613,2668 and 2775 m.The whole plants of Elymus during anthesis stage were collected from all the plots for determining the indexes of crude protein(CP),crude fat(CF),neutral detergent fiber(NDF),acid detergent fiber(ADF),crude ash(ASH),calcium(Ca)and phosphorus(P).The results showed that the content of CP,crude ash and Ca changed irregularly corresponding to the altitude in the two counties,but significant higher with CP(1.09%),Ash(0.33%)and Ca(0.34%)in the low altitude areas(1714-2185 m)than those in the high altitude areas.NDF and ADF in the low altitude areas were significantly lower by 5.35% and 2.61% compared with those in the high altitude areas.There was no significant difference of CF as well as P in plant from different altitudes.Comprehensive evaluation revealed that superior nutritional composition of Elymus dahuricus presented at the sampling plots of altitude of 1714 m in Minhe County.

Effect of Boron Fertilizer on the Root Growth Characteristics and Nutrient Contents of the Tuberous Root of Yacon

[Objectives]This study was conducted to investigate the effects of boron fertilizer on the root system and nutrient contents of yacon.[Methods]By the field test method,high-and low-dose of boron fertilizer(Na2B8O13,9000 and 3000 g/hm2)and equal amount of clean water(CK)were sprayed 3 times in the soil area where plants were grown in the early,middle and late stages of yacon growth,and the effects of applying boron fertilizer on the growth and fruit quality of yacon were analyzed.[Results]The indexes of the root system of yacon treated with boron fertilizer were significantly higher than those of the CK.The yield and total sugar,vitamin C,ash,Ca,Fe,Zn and other nutrients of the boron fertilizer treatments increased significantly compared with the CK.The yields of the low-and high-dose treatments increased by 77.2%and 211.2%,respectively,compared with the CK;and the contents of total sugar,vitamin C,ash,Ca,Fe and Zn in the high-dose treatment increased by 28.4%,163.6%,33.2%,73.3%,41.2%and 56.2%,respectively,compared with the CK.The nutrients in yacon treated with the low dose of boron fertilizer were lower than those with the high dose.The application of boron fertilizer could increase the yield of yacon,improve its quality and increase the contents of nutrients such as Ca,Fe,Zn and total sugar.[Conclusions]This study provides a reference for the reasonable application of boron fertilizer in the production of yacon and the improvement of the quality of yacon.

Why Blueberries?

Small berry fruits, like blueberries, are popular due to their appearance, are easy to eat and have a unique taste. Blueberries belong to the Cyanococcus section of the Ericaceae family. They are known to be one of the richest sources of natural antioxidants. Blueberries are a flavorful and colorful fruit, known for their health benefits attributed to numerous bioactive compounds with various therapeutic effects. The research aims to understand the metabolic and genetic factors that influence the nutritional and sensory qualities of blueberries. They can be consumed as either fresh or processed such as snacks, desserts, fruit salads, and with ice cream, yogurt or processed products such as frozen berries into conserves, purees and juices, dried fruit. They are rich in organic acids phenolic compounds that protect human against a wide variety of diseases since blueberry has high antioxidant activity. In this review, blueberry worldwide production trend and the effect of blueberry nutrient content on human health will be discussed. And there are also some studies carried out in recent years to determine the chemical composition such as sugars, organic acids and phenolic compounds by advanced methodologies in blueberry fruits. This review could be beneficial for future studies will be conducted on blueberry production and its nutritional content. .

Variations in porcine colostrum oligosaccharide composition between breeds and in association with sow maternal performance

Background:Oligosaccharides(OS)are indigestible carbohydrates naturally found in milk.The composition of porcine colostrum OS may influence the growth and the health of the neonate and consuming optimal concentrations of OS may reduce piglet susceptibility to illness.In this manner,targeted supplementation of animal feed with OS is being explored as a health management tool in the livestock industry.The variation in OS composition between different breeds of pig and its association with the litter performance is currently unknown.The aim of this study was to characterize the colostrum OS composition from sows of different breed and parity and correlate this data with sow maternal traits.Methods:Eighty-three colostrum samples from parities 1 to 8 were gathered from 3 different breeds of sow:44 Large White sows,27 Landrace sows and 12 Duroc sows.Samples were taken between the birth of the first and the last piglet from sows that were not pharmacologically induced to farrow.OS were purified from the samples and analysed by MALDI-ToF mass spectrometry(21 OS compositions detected).The farrowing season and the maternal data were recorded for each sow,including the number of live piglets and the litter body weight at birth,at day(d)3 and at weaning.Results:Five OS compositions,including isomers of the bifidogenic Sialyllactose,Lacto-N-Tetraose and Lacto-NHexaose series,were detected in all the samples.Twelve other OS were identified in at least 50%of samples,and their abundances were affected by breed(P<0.05;6 of 12),marginally affected by season(P<0.10;3 of 12)and never by parity number.The abundances of each OS component were standardized by Z-score scaling(μ=0 and SD=1),transformed by principal component analysis,and four similarity clusters were generated.Cluster membership was associated with litter weight gain within 3 days(P=0.063)and at weaning(P<0.05),but not with piglet mortality within 3 days.Conclusions:OS composition of colostrum may partially explain the variability in maternal performance within and between different breeds of sow.The obtained OS data can provide useful information for the development of novel prebiotic food supplements for suckling and weaning pigs.

Relationship between phytoplankton composition and environmental factors in the surface waters of southern South China Sea in early summer of 2009

Horizontal distributions of phytoplankton abundance,species composition as well as environmental factors were investigated in the surface waters of southern South China Sea(SCS) in early summer(May 16 to June 7) of 2009.In most areas of southern SCS,the concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus were very low and DIN/DIP ratios usually were lower than the Redfield N/P Ratio of 16:1.Nitrogen nutrients were significant lower in the upwelling region off Vietnam.A total of 144 taxa of phytoplankton were identified in the study area.The dominant genera were Prorocentrum,Gonyaulax,Gyrodinium,Scrippsiella and Chaetoceros,respectively.Spatial patterns of early-summer phytoplankton abundance and species composition should be mainly controlled by the upwelling off Vietnam and the discharge of Mekong River in the southern SCS.Diatoms dominated in the nutritious Mekong River Estuary or upwelling region off Vietnam;while dinoflagellates dominated in the oligotrophic pelagic region.The canonical correspondence analysis(CCA) indicates that most of diatoms favor higher levels of silicate and phosphorus,as well as lower temperature;while most of dinoflagellates favor the lower silicate and phosphorous and higher temperature.Correlation and CCA results indicate that silicate,nitrate and temperature were the most relevant environmental factors to regulate the horizontal pattern of early-summer phytoplankton in the surface waters of southern SCS.

Effects of Co-60 gamma-irradiation and refrigerated storage on the quality of Shatang mandarin

The effectiveness of Co-60 gamma irradiation in controlling citrus red mite(Panonychus citri McGregor)had been proved in our earlier work.However,whether it could be used as an alternative method to replace the current way of quarantine treatment against citrus red mites depends on the performances of effective doses on citrus fruits.This study was conducted to explore the effects of Co-60 gamma irradiation on the nutrient composition of citrus(Shatang mandarin);selected fruits were divided into different groups and each group was irradiated at 0.0,0.2,0.3,0.4,0.5,and 0.6,respectively.And then the treated fruits were stored at 4◦C and the nutrient composition was studied in the following days.The results showed that the shelf-life could be extended when fruits were irradiated in the dose range of 0.2–0.4 kGy,while most unirradiated citrus decayed by 15 d.It also turned out that the citrus irradiated at 0.5 and 0.6 kGy were fully decayed within 45 d of refrigerated storage.The content of total soluble solids(TSS),total sugar,ascorbic acid(AA),and titratable acidity had no significant differences compare to those of the control during the 15 d storage period.Nevertheless,the activities of peroxidase(POD)and superoxide dismutase(SOD)decreased after 15 d;the improvement of storage quality and shelf life may be explained by the change of the protective enzyme activity.In conclusion,the results of citrus fruit treated with irradiation at a certain dose indicated the potential use of Co-60 gamma irradiation as a safe quarantine treatment.©2014 Beijing Academy of Food Sciences.Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V.All rights reserved.

Quality Analysis and Evaluation of Scylla paramamosain from Three Different Areas

[Objectives]The quality of Scylla paramammosain produced in Fujian,Sanmen and Shanghai were analyzed and evaluated.[Methods]Adult Scylla paramammosain from Fujian,Sanmen and Shanghai were separated for their muscles and gonads,which were analyzed for nutritional components.[Results]The muscle moisture content of S.paramammosain from Sanmen was significantly higher than those in S.paramammosain from Fujian and Shanghai.The muscle protein contents of S.paramammosain from the three regions ranked as Shanghai>Fujian>Sanmen(P<0.05).The muscles of S.paramammosain from Shanghai had the highest crude fat and crude ash contents.The moisture contents of the gonads of the S.paramammosain from the three regions had no significant differences.The protein contents of the gonads of S.paramammosain from the three regions ranked as Shanghai>Sanmen>Fujian(P<0.05).The S.paramammosain from Sanmen had the highest crude fat and crude ash contents in gonads.The contents of 17 amino acids detected in the muscles and gonads of S.paramammosain from the three different regions were different.The total amounts of total amino acids(TAA),essential amino acids(EAA)and flavor amino acids(FAA)in the muscles of S.paramammosain from Sanmen were significantly lower than those produced in Fujian and Shanghai(P<0.05),but the proportions of essential amino acids(EAA)and flavor amino acids were not significantly different.The proportion of EAA and FAA in the gonads of S.paramammosain produced in the three areas were significantly different(P<0.05).There were also differences in the fatty acid composition of the muscles and gonads of S.paramammosain from the three different regions.The proportion of EPA in the muscles of S.paramammosain from Fujian was higher than those of other two groups,but the differences were not significant;the proportion of DHA was significantly higher than those of other two groups,and the differences were significant(P<0.05);and the proportions of n3 PUFA in muscles of S.paramammosain produced in Fujian and Sanmen were significantly higher than that of S.paramammosain produced in Shanghai(P<0.05).The proportions of EPA,DHA and n6 PUFA in the gonads of S.paramammosain produced in Sanmen were significantly higher than those produced in Fujian and Shanghai(P<0.05),while the n3 PUFA was the highest in S.paramammosain produced in Fujian.The proportions of n6/n3 PUFA in S.paramammosain produced in the three different regions were significantly different(P<0.05).In summary,it could be seen that the nutritional composition of S.paramammosain produced in different regions has its own characteristics.[Conclusions]This study provides basic data for the establishment of quality evaluation standards for S.paramammosain,and provides a new perspective for the evaluation of breeding models.

Characteristics of plankton Hg bioaccumulations based on a global data set and the implications for aquatic systems with aggravating nutrient imbalance

The bioaccumulation of mercury(Hg)in aquatic ecosystem poses a potential health risk to human being and aquatic organism.Bioaccumulations by plankton represent a crucial process of Hg transfer from water to aquatic food chain.However,the current understanding of major factors affecting Hg accumulation by plankton is inadequate.In this study,a data set of 89 aquatic ecosystems worldwide,including inland water,nearshore water and open sea,was established.Key factors influencing plankton Hg bioaccumulation(i.e.,plankton species,cell sizes and biomasses)were discussed.The results indicated that total Hg(THg)and methylmercury(MeHg)concentrations in plankton in inland waters were significantly higher than those in nearshore waters and open seas.Bioaccumulation factors for the logarithm of THg and MeHg of phytoplankton were 2.4–6.0 and 2.6–6.7 L/kg,respectively,in all aquatic ecosystems.They could be further biomagnified by a factor of 2.1–15.1 and 5.3–28.2 from phytoplankton to zooplankton.Higher MeHg concentrations were observed with the increases of cell size for both phyto-and zooplankton.A contrasting trend was observed between the plankton biomasses and BAF_(MeHg),with a positive relationship for zooplankton and a negative relationship for phytoplankton.Plankton physiologic traits impose constraints on the rates of nutrients and contaminants obtaining process from water.Nowadays,many aquatic ecosystems are facing rapid shifts in nutrient compositions.We suggested that these potential influences on the growth and composition of plankton should be incorporated in future aquatic Hg modeling and ecological risk assessments.

Chronic exposure to high-density polyethylene microplastic through feeding alters the nutrient metabolism of juvenile yellow perch (Perca flavescens)

Microplastics are emergent contaminants threatening aquatic organisms including aquacultured fish.This study investigated the effects of high-density polyethylene(HDPE,100 to 125 mm)on yellow perch(Perca flavescens)based on integrative evaluation including growth performance,nutritional status,nutrient metabolism,fish health,and gut microbial community.Five test diets(0,1,2,4,or 8 g HDPE/100 g diet)containing 41%protein and 10.5%lipid were fed to juvenile perch(average body weight,25.9±0.2 g;n=15)at a feeding rate of 1.5%to 2.0%body weight daily.The feeding trial was conducted in a flow-through water system for 9 wk with 3 tanks per treatment and 15 yellow perch per tank.No mortality or HDPE accumulation in the fish was found in any treatments.Weight gain and condition factor of fish were not significantly impacted by HDPE(P>0.05).Compared to the control group,fish fed the 8%HDPE diet had significantly decreased levels of protein and ash(P<0.05).In response to the increasing levels of HDPE exposure,the hepatosomatic index value,hepatocyte size,and liver glycogen level were increased,but lipid content was reduced in the liver tissues.Compared to the control treatment,fish fed the 8%HDPE diet had significant accumulations of total bile acids and different metabolism pathways such as bile acid biosynthesis,pyruvate metabolism,and carnitine synthesis.Significant enterocyte necrosis was documented in the foregut of fish fed the 2%or 8%HDPE diet;and significant cell sloughing was observed in the midgut and hindgut of fish fed the 8%HDPE diet.Fish fed the 2%HDPE diet harbored different microbiota communities compared to the control fish.This study demonstrates that HDPE ranging from 100 to 125 mm in feed can be evacuated by yellow perch with no impact on growth.However,dietary exposure to HDPE decreased whole fish nutrition quality,altered nutrient metabolism and the intestinal histopathology as well as microbiota community of yellow perch.The results indicate that extended exposure may pose a risk to fish health and jeopardize the nutrition quality of aquacultured end product.This hypothesis remains to be investigated further.

Comparative study on nutrient composition,functional property and glycaemic index of“Ogi”in healthy rats prepared from selected cereal grains

One of the most common traditional fermented food products consumed by all class of people in Southern part of Nigeria is Ogi.Ogi is a gurel made from different types of cereal ranging from maize,sorghum,millet among others.Hence,this study was aimed to evaluate nutrient,phytochemicals,functional properties,and glycemic index of Ogi produced from different grains.Grains such as yellow maize(YM),white maize(WM),popcorn maize(PC),red sorghum(RS),white sorghum(WS)and finger millet(FM)were processed into Ogi samples,packaged in airtight container prior to analysis and stored at–20℃.Proximate results showed that Ogi sample produced from PC significantly contained the highest protein content followed by sample YM.Potassium was observed to be the most abundant mineral elements in Ogi(14.50–19.10 mg/100 g).The phytochemical composition(mg/g)of the experimental samples ranged from 0.34–1.62,53.82–177.09,0.00–0.10,3.71–69.22 and 2.08–6.08 mg/g in oxalate,saponin,flavonoid,phytate and tannin,respectively.The glycemic index ranged 48.83%in YM to 50.71%in WS,while the glycemic load ranged 31.96%in YM to 37.82%in WS,respectively.The result revealed that Ogi samples,especially YM was high in calcium,Ca/P ratio,iron,zinc but low in phytate and tannin content.Sample YM also exhibit lower glycemic index,when compared with other Ogi samples.Hence,YM may be a better grain for the production of Ogi samples.

Nutritional quality of formulated complementary diet from defatted almond seed,yellow maize and quality protein maize flours

Traditional complementary foods are mainly starchy foods with limiting nutrient quality and can be fortified using protein rich crops like almond seed.This research thus aimed at investigating the nutritional quality of the formulated complementary diet from locally available almond seeds(Prunus amygdalus),high quality protein(QPM)and yellow maize after blending into flours.The proximate and amino acid compositions,in vitro protein qualities and functional properties of the blended flours were determined using standard methods.The in vivo studies involved feeding the weanling Wister albino rats with blended flours and commercial Cerelac(control),followed by hematological and histopathological determinations,while sensory attributes were evaluated by the semi-trained panelists.The protein contents of the flour blends(24–28%)were significantly(p<0.05)better with adequate indispensable amino acids and improved functionalities than commercial cerelac(23%).Comparatively,the dried germinated QPM(DGQPM)has significant(p<0.05)higher biological value(~37%)than fermented high QPM(FHQPM)(~30%),thereby indicating that the germination process improved protein quality of the diets.Besides,the in vivo data showed a positive effect of germination process as the rats fed with DGQPM has low white blood cells(30×10^(2))compared to FHQPM(42×10^(2))and cerelac(51×10^(2)).However,the fermentation process improved the packed cell volume of rats fed with FHQPM(49%)when compared to DGQPM and cerelac(47%).The formulated diets have no negative effects on the protein content(45.19–51.88 mg N/g)and weight(0.25–1.36 g)of the internal organs(liver,kidney and tissue)of the animals when compared to cerelac(53.72–55.04 mg N/g;0.25–1.98 g),respectively.The panelists generally accepted all the formulated diets,hence encouraging their utilization in the global preparation of complimentary foods for young children to meet their nutritional needs and adding value to the locally produced underutilized almond seeds.