Growth parameters of rats fed varying rations of edible chitosan-starch films packaging

Abstract

This study aimed at assessing the growth parameters of rats fed varying rations of edible chitosan-starch films supplemented diets. Commercial rat diet was supplemented with 5 – 40 % rations of chitosan-starch films. Twenty-five rats were randomised into five groups and fed the supplemented diets for a period of 28 days. Proximate composition of chitosan, edible chitosan-starch films and chitosan-starch film supplemented diets were determined using the AOAC methods. Weekly feed intake, weekly weight-gain and organ weight ratios were determined. Histopathology of the liver, kidney and intestine were carried out. Chitosan was significantly (p<0.05) lower in all proximate components except for carbohydrate and fibre, chitosan-starch film was significantly higher in moisture, fat and ash compared to the supplemented diet and the control. Rats placed on 5 % edible chitosan-starch film had the highest feed intake and weight gain while those placed on 40 % had the least. The kidney and intestine body-weight ratios were significantly (p<0.05) lower in the rats on the supplemented diets compared to the control, not different in the liver body-weight ratio. The liver showed normal intact hepatic cells, while the kidney and intestine showed degeneration of the glomeruli, capsular space, and connective tissue inflammation in rats fed diets above 5 % of edible chitosan-starch film. This study suggests that edible chitosan-starch films may be toxic to albino rats at levels higher than 5 % diet inclusion.