Formulation of Alternative Supplementary Food For pastoralists' Infants During Drought

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to formulate an infant food supplement whose consumption would reduce the dependence of pastoralists' infants on livestock milk. Thus the objective of this study was to save off livestock milk for kids and calves, particularly during drought when they are most affected. The formulated food had maize (dehulled toasted) and dried whole egg powder in 3:1 ratio, with millet-amylase rich flour added at a rate of 2% to lower viscosity, ensuring reduced dietary bulk. The moisture content of the product (3.2%) was low compared to that of whole maize flour (11.8%). Incorporation of dried whole egg powder doubled the protein content from 7.1 to 17.9%. The fat content was doubled from 3.8 to 8.7%. The study demonstrated that the product can be used as a supplement for children and alleviate health disorders associated with Protein-Energy Malnutrition (PEM).