Comparative Evaluation of Animal with Plant Protein Intake in Northern Adamawa State of Nigeria

Abstract

The study was conducted to compare the preference, acceptability and consumption of animal and plant protein intakes in Adamawa State, northern eastern, Nigeria. Eight thousand well-structured questionnaires were administered across eight Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the northern zone of Adamawa State for a period of eight months (April and December 2009). Analysis of collected data revealed that 3825 (47.8%) the respondents preferred animal protein because of taste, flavor and aroma and not irrespective of nutritional value, while 3130(39.1%) people preferred plant sources. About 1045(13.1%) preferred plant protein in their daily diets since they claim to be vegetarians. Despite very low consumption of animal protein by the average Nigerian, the preference was not affected. The current hash economic condition in the country, may have contributed low animal protein consumption and preference for cheaper sources of protein from plants.

Keywords: Animal, Plant, protein nutritional value, Nigeria