For example, the digestability of proteins and the availability of their component amino acids can be determined by comparing controlled diets and vegan diets. Various amino acid supplements can be added to the vegan diet if the growth of the animals fed the vegan is not comparable to that of the control animals. Nitrogen balance can also be determined by collecting and testing the wastes generated by the animals. The animal feeding studies can also be used to identify any toxic effects of the experimental diets. At the end of a feeding study the animals can be autopsied and various organs can be examined using histochemical techniques.
Rice is an excellent cereal crop to complement legume protein in a balanced vegetarian diet.
The hypo-allergenic storage protein of rice grain is tolerated by virtually all people and its use versatility is the best of all the cereal grains. Rice is the one crop that produced year round and was eaten every day during the 2-year mission of the first Biosphere 2 crew. The plants can be grown in high density in CEA and the grain is very versatile. Wheat in the form of breads and pastas is a very important and common foodstuff in many cultures. Studies have shown that the more plant foodstuffs included in a vegetarian the more palatable and satisfying the diet becomes.