296 Peanut as Food 
(Chart ITI, Rats 4, 6, 7,14, 17, and 18) growth was not satisfactory, 
death resulting in some cases, apparently due to the fact that the 
ration contained too much fat, for in order to obtain an 18 per 
cent protein mixture from peanuts, together with 5 per cent 
of butter fat, it was necessary to feed a ration containing 38.6 per 
cent of fat. Young animals on a diet which includes such a 
high percentage of fat do not seem to thrive. When these young 
animals were given a ration containing less fat, obtained by 
decreasing the amount of butter fat from 5 to 2 per cent, better 
growth resulted. Their curves of growth, however, were some- 
what below normal. An adult animal which was given the 2 per 
cent butter fat ration reproduced and two litters were success- 
fully suckled (Chart I, Rat 12). The litters were small (five and 
six each) and the young remained undersized as long as they were 
given the 2 per cent butter fat ration. The addition of 5 per cent 
of butter fat stimulated growth. 
In view of the fact that peanuts contain such a high percentage 
of fat, it was deemed advisable to continue the investigation with 
peanut meal which contained less fat. Rations consisting of 
67.5 gm. of peanut meal,*? supplying 18 per cent protein, 10 gm. 
of lard, 5 gm. of butter fat, 11.4 gm. of cornstarch, and 5.09 gm. 
of suitable inorganic material proved satisfactory in every way. 
The curves of growth (Chart IT) in all cases were similar to those 
generally considered to be normal. Reproduction oecurred at 
frequent intervals and three generations were obtained. Good 
growth was secured also with a ration supplying 15 per cent pro- 
tein from the peanut meal (Chart II). The proteins of peanuts 
are comparable to those of the soy bean, since it has been shown 
that both legumes supply the essential amino-acids in sufficient 
amounts for normal growth and reproduction, when rations made 
on the basis of 15 and 18 per cent protein are fed. 
That peanuts are lacking in the fat-soluble food accessory has 
been shown by the behavior of animals which were given rations 
containing no butter fat, 2 per cent, and 5 per cent of butter fat, 
respectively. The animals which, immediately following the 
suckling period, were placed on rations, otherwise adequate but 
‘The peanut meal was furnished by the Capital Grain and Feed Co.., 
Montgomery, Ala., and contained 27.02 per cent protein (N X 6.25). 
