Corollary of Lactobacillus Fermented Plantain Peel on Growth Performance of Rats

Abstract

Plantain peel, a significant agro-waste, represents an untapped resource for animal nutrition, necessitating exploration of its bioconversion into a valuable feed additive. This study investigated the corollary of supplementing rat feed with plantain peel fermented by a novel isolate on growth performance and physiological safety.  The fermenting organism was isolated and rigorously characterized as Lactobacillus acidophilus (strain DSM20079, Accession CP020620.1) through cultural, biochemical, and molecular (100% identity) analyses. Over a six-week trial, rats fed the fermented supplement exhibited a markedly superior growth trajectory. The final body weight of the test group (324.60 ± 1.51 g) was significantly higher than that of the control group (248.00 ± 1.47 g) (p < 0.05). Body Mass Index (BMI) was also higher in the test group (0.66 g/cm²) but remained below the threshold for obesity (0.68 g/cm²). Critically, organ weights (liver, kidney, lungs, heart) and key serum biomarkers for liver (ALT, AST) and kidney (creatinine, urea) function showed no significant differences (p > 0.05), confirming the supplement's non-toxic nature. However, assessment of oxidative stress via malondialdehyde (MDA) levels indicated a statistically significant overall increase in the test group (p = 0.03), suggesting an elevated oxidative state. In conclusion, Lactobacillus acidophilus-fermented plantain peel is a safe and effective probiotic supplement that significantly enhances growth performance in rats without inducing organ toxicity or obesity, though its pro-oxidant effect requires further study to optimize its application as a sustainable nutraceutical.