Influence of heat processing of African yam bean seed (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) flour on the growth and organ weights of rats.

The influence of heat processing of African yam bean seed flour on the growth and organ weights of rats was studied. Body weight change, feed utilization and feed conversion ratio were improved by heat processing. All rats significantly (p < or = 0.05) gained weight except those fed raw African yam bean and basal diets (diets 3 and 1 respectively). Raw African yam bean diet decreased the growth of rats and had negative effect on the organ weights especially the pancreas which was enlarged. The results indicate that heat processing improved the growth of rats and organ weights due to heat inactivation of toxic factors especially trypsin inhibitors.